INTRODUCTION: Persistent @entity955 (persAF) can occur either as a sustained @entity943 that has progressed from initially paroxysmal AF or as primary persAF without a history of any spontaneously terminated episode. There is a paucity of data differentiating between the 2 different persAF entities. Thus, we prospectively evaluated baseline characteristics, electrophysiological features, and ablation outcome in these 2 @entity1 cohorts. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total number of 154 consecutive persAF @entity1 (63    10 years, f = 42, longstanding persAF = 60) were characterized in terms of having primary persAF (P-persAF group) or persAF that secondarily progressed from paroxysmal AF (S-persAF group). All @entity1 underwent de novo catheter ablation using the stepwise approach. PersAF entities were characterized by detailed @entity1 history, sequential Holter monitoring, and reports of documented modes of AF conversion, respectively. The P-persAF group had a higher number of young @entity1 (<50 years), a shorter AF history, and a higher number of @entity712 . The HATCH score did not differ between the groups. Procedural AF termination rate was significantly higher in S-persAF than in P-persAF @entity1 (n = 55 [81%] vs. n = 58 [68%], P = 0.043). At 1-year follow-up, the @entity943 -free survival after a single procedure was significantly lower in @entity1 with P-persAF (26% vs. 43%, P = 0.016). Categorization to P-persAF was the strongest independent predictor of @entity943 recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: P-persAF seems to be a specific @entity943 entity that is associated with a lower AF-termination rate and a worse outcome after catheter ablation as compared to S-persAF.

Primary Persistent @entity955 : A Distinct XXXX Subentity of an Ablation Population.

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['patients', 'patient'] @entity712 :: ('MESH:D006333', 'Disease') :: ['congestive heart failure'] @entity943 :: ('MESH:D001145', 'Disease') :: ['arrhythmia'] @entity955 :: ('MESH:D001281', 'Disease') :: ['atrial fibrillation']
@entity943 :: (MESH:D001145,Disease) :: ['Arrhythmia']
