CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores as tools for long-term mortality prognosis in patients with typical atrial flutter after catheter ablation

BACKGROUND The CHADS(2) and CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc scores were shown to predict mortality in patients with atrial fibrillation. However, pathophysiology and treatment outcomes of atrial fibrillation and typical atrial flutter (AFL) differ. Consequently, the prognosis of patients with AFL can also be different. AIMS The aim of the study was to assess CHADS(2) and CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc scores as mortality predictors in patients with typical AFL. METHODS Large cohort of consecutive patients with typical AFL who underwent catheter ablation was retrospectively analyzed. The CHADS(2) and CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc were calculated using hospital record data. All-cause mortality data was obtained from the registry of national personal identification numbers. The Kaplan-Meier method and multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were applied for survival and hazard ratio analyses, respectively. RESULTS A total of 469 patients hospitalized for typical AFL ablation were enrolled (mean [SD] age, 63.7 [12.2] years; male sex, 69.1%). Patients were followed from 2 to 12 years resulting in 2974 patient-years of follow-up. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed a negative impact of each component of the CHADS(2) and CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc scores on survival with the exception of stroke (notsignificant) and female sex (related to a better survival). Consequently, higher scores were predictive of higher all-cause mortality rates (2.7%-54% at 10 years); the CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc score was equally predictive as the CHADS(2) score. CONCLUSIONS In patients referred for typical AFL ablation, the CHADS(2) score can be applied for prognostic assessment. A successful AFL ablation procedure should not divert the attention from recognizing and addressing other medical issues that have an impact on long-term mortality, which remains very high in this population of patients.