Open AccessSerum galectin‐3 level as a marker of thrombogenicity in atrial fibrillation
Author(s) -
Kocyigit Duygu,
Gurses Kadri Murat,
Yalcin Muhammed Ulvi,
Canpinar Hande,
Canpolat Ugur,
Evranos Banu,
Yorgun Hikmet,
Ozer Necla,
Guc Dicle,
Aytemir Kudret
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
journal of clinical laboratory analysis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.536
H-Index - 50
eISSN - 1098-2825
pISSN - 0887-8013
DOI - 10.1002/jcla.22120
Subject(s) - medicine , atrial fibrillation , cardiology , galectin 3 , thrombus , thrombogenicity , cardioversion , biomarker , catheter ablation , population , gastroenterology , thrombosis , biochemistry , chemistry , environmental health
Background Left atrial appendage flow velocity ( LAAFV ) and presence of spontaneous echo contrast ( SEC ) have been reported to be predictors of thromboembolism in atrial fibrillation ( AF ) patients. Galectin‐3 is a biomarker reflecting pro‐inflammatory status, whose role in AF has recently drawn attention, particularly in persistent AF population. Aim In this study we aimed to investigate the association between serum galectin‐3 levels and echocardiographic predictors of thromboembolism in persistent AF patients. Methods We included 65 persistent AF patients (55.50±10.67 years, 46.15% male). Transesophageal echocardiography ( TEE ) was performed to assess LAAFV and presence of left atrial ( LA )/ LA appendage ( LAA )‐located SEC and thrombus prior to direct current cardioversion or catheter ablation for AF . Results Median galectin‐3 level was 0.63 ng/mL. Serum galectin‐3 levels were significantly correlated with LAAFV ( r =−.440, P <.001). Serum galectin‐3 levels were associated with presence of SEC ( P <.001), and LA thrombus ( P =.008). Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that a serum galectin‐3 greater or equal to the cut‐off value of 0.69 predicted presence of SEC with a sensitivity and specificity of 91.00% and 79.00%, respectively ( P <.001). Conclusion In conclusion, in the setting of persistent AF , serum galectin‐3 levels are associated with presence of SEC and LAAFV on TEE . Our findings suggest that serum galectin‐3 level may have a place in thromboembolism risk stratification in persistent AF patients.