The Role of Galectin-3 Levels for Predicting Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source.

Background/

Objectives

Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) is an important cause that is thought main potential factor in Embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS). Extended Holter ECG is an expensive and time-consuming examination. It needs another tools for predicting PAF in ESUS patients. In this study, serum galectin-3 levels, ECG parameters (PR interval, P wave time and P wave peak time) LA volume index, LA global peak strain and atrial electromechanical conduction time values were investigated for predicting PAF.

Methods

150 patients with ESUS and 30 volunteers for the control group were recruited to study. 48-72 h Holter ECG monitoring was used for detecting PAF. Patients were divided into two groups (ESUS + PAF and ESUS-PAF) according to the development of PAF in Holter ECG monitoring.

Results

30 patients with ESUS whose Holter ECG monitoring showed PAF, were recruited to the ESUS + PAF group. Other 120 patients with ESUS were recruited to the ESUS-PAF group. PA lateral, PA septum, and PA tricuspid were higher in the ESUS + PAF group (p < 0.001 for all). Serum galectin-3 levels were significantly higher in ESUS + PAF than in ESUS-PAF and control groups (479.0 pg/mL ± 435.8 pg/mL, 297.8 pg/mL ± 280.3 pg/mL, and 125.4 ± 87.0 pg/mL, p < 0.001, respectively). Serum galectin-3 levels were significantly correlated with LAVI, PA lateral, and global peak LA strain (r = 0.246, p = 0.001, p = 0.158, p = 0.035, r = -0.176, p = 0.018, respectively).

Conclusion

Serum galectin-3 levels is found higher in ESUS patients which developed PAF and Serum galectin-3 levels are associated LA adverse remodeling in patients with ESUS.