Correlation between CHA2DS2-VASc score and left atrium size in non-valvular atrial fibrillation

Background The CHA2DS2-VASc score is validated to evaluate the risk of thromboembolism in non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF). The relationship between the predictive value of thromboembolic risk by echocardiographic parameters and CHA2DS2-VASc score is still misunderstood. Purpose The aim of this study was to search a relationship between echocardiographic parameters and CHA2DS2-Vasc score in patients with non-valvular AF. Methods One hundred and twenty-two patients were hospitalized for AF. The CHA2DS2-VASc score was evaluated and echocardiography with assessment of the left atrium (surface diameter and volume) was performed. Regular monitoring was provided during 8 ± 12 months. Results The mean age of our patients was 60 ± 15 years, 66% (n = 71) men and 34% (n = 36) women. AF was classified as paroxysmal (59%), as persistent (18%), and as permanent (28%). AF was idiopathic in 34% of cases and associated with hypertensive heart disease in 26%. The percentage of patients who had a CHA2DS2-VASc score 0, 1, and ≥ 2 was 21%, 24% and 55%. Sixty-six percent of patients have been treated with anticoagulant, 30% were put on aspirin and 4% abstaining. During follow-up, nine patients were hospitalized for heart failure, 6 patients (5%) had stroke, 4 patients (4%) had a non-major bleeding and one patient died. No correlation was found between CHA2DS2-VASc score and the left atrium dimensions (P = 0.6, 0.2, 0.8 respectively for the diameter, surface area and volume of left atrium). Conclusion Left atrial dimensions are not correlated to CHA2DS2-VASc score. Other techniques could possibly be more sensitive such as the atrial strain.