Thromboembolism after Cardioversion for Atrial Fibrillation

  1. Tsung O. Cheng, MD
  1. George Washington University Medical Center; Washington, DC 20032

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    TO THE EDITOR:

    I read with interest the report on the risk for thromboembolism associated with conversion to sinus rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation lasting less than 48 hours [1]. Despite the authors' finding that such patients had a low likelihood of cardioversion-related clinical thromboembolism, the authors recommended that anticoagulation with intravenous heparin be initiated on hospital admission for all patients with atrial fibrillation. This recommendation would extend to patients whose clinically estimated duration of atrial fibrillation is less than 48 hours. I wonder why the authors did not believe in their own data.

    Tsung O. Cheng, MD

    George Washington University Medical Center; Washington, DC 20032

    The Editors welcome submissions for possible publication in the Letters section. Authors of letters should:

    •Include no more than 300 words of text, three authors, and five references

    •Type with double-spacing

    •Send three copies of the letter, an authors' form signed by all authors, and a cover letter describing any conflicts of interest related to the contents of the letter.

    Letters commenting on an Annals article will be considered if they are received within 6 weeks of the time the article was published. Only some of the letters received can be published. Published letters are edited and may be shortened; tables and figures are included only selectively. Authors will be notified that the letter has been received. If the letter is selected for publication, the author will be notified about 3 weeks before the publication date. Unpublished letters cannot be returned.

    Annals welcomes electronically submitted letters.

    References

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