Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) is an effective therapy for atrial fibrillation (AF). This study was designed to investigate the effects of RFCA on left ventricular (LV) structure and function in AF patients.

A systematic literature search in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials was performed to identify trials involving changes of LV structure and function in AF patients undergoing RFCA. Effect size was expressed as weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95 % confidence interval (CI). LV end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), LV end-systolic diameter (LVESD), LV end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), LV end-systolic volume (LVESV), and LV ejection fraction (LVEF) were estimated. A total of 21 trials including 1,135 participants were qualified for this meta-analysis. Compared to the baseline values, there were significant decreases in LVEDV (WMD, −6.39 ml; 95 %CI, −12.46 to −0.33) and LVESV (WMD, −6.39 ml; 95 %CI, −11.35 to −1.42) and a significant improvement in LVEF (WMD, 6.23 %; 95 %CI, 3.70 to 8.75), but no significant changes were observed in LVEDD (WMD, −0.64 mm; 95 %CI, −2.40 to 1.13) and LVESD (WMD, −0.38 mm; 95 %CI, −1.32 to 0.56) after RFCA. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that patients with low LVEF (WMD, 11.90 %; 95 %CI, 9.16 to 14.64) gained more benefits than those with normal LVEF (WMD, 1.56 %; 95 %CI, 0.38 to 2.74). Besides, patients with chronic AF (WMD, 10.96 %; 95 %CI, 4.92 to 17.01) improved more than those with paroxysmal AF (WMD, 1.93 %; 95 %CI, −0.27 to 4.12).

RFCA in AF patients could reverse LV structural remodeling and improve LV systolic function, especially in patients with low LVEF and chronic AF.