Studies that examined the effects of RFCA on left atrial size, volume and function in patients with atrial fibrillation were eligible for inclusion. Studies had to perform follow-up imaging at least one month after RFCA.
Studies included patients in paroxysmal, chronic and persistent atrial fibrillation. Mean age ranged from 52 to 60 years. The proportion of men ranged from 66% to 91%. Some studies included patients with comorbidities that included mitral regurgitation, coronary artery disease, circumferential pulmonary vein ablation, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, ischaemic cardiomyopathy, valvular disease and structural heart disease. Mean duration of atrial fibrillation ranged from 2.6 to 12 years. Success rate of RFCA ranged from 47% to 82%.
Two reviewers independently assessed studies for inclusion.