The Nature of Auricular Fibrillation and Flutter: A Symposium

T HE IDEA of this symposium arose during an informal discussion at a meeting of the Editorial Board of CIRCULATION. Much important evidence recently brought forward by the proponents of various theories of the auricular arrhythmias has been difficult to assess by those not intimately engaged in this field. It is believed that the present symposium by leading authorities clarifies some of the issues involved in the current debate. The admirable skill and lucidity with which the evidence for different concepts has been marshalled and ably summarized will, it is hoped, be of value in the clinical evaluation and further research of these arrhythmias. The symposium will take the form of concise answers to four questions of fundamental importance by the participants. Each contributor will then elaborate upon his answers in a brief discussioi .