Marroucheetal.recently demonstrated that extensive atrial fibrosis detected by delayed
enhancement magnetic resonance imaging is associated with poor out
come after AF ablation[22].Theseandourfindings support the concept
that there may be a penalty in withholding antiarrhythmic (RFA or AAD)
therapy in patients with symptomatic paroxysmal AF[23].
Other elements which may affect the results of AF ablation include
operator experience and ablation technique. The centres in our study
were different with respect to the patient volumes and degree of