{"status":"ok","message-type":"work","message-version":"1.0.0","message":{"indexed":{"date-parts":[[2026,4,13]],"date-time":"2026-04-13T05:41:22Z","timestamp":1776058882704,"version":"3.50.1"},"reference-count":28,"publisher":"Frontiers Media SA","license":[{"start":{"date-parts":[[2026,4,13]],"date-time":"2026-04-13T00:00:00Z","timestamp":1776038400000},"content-version":"vor","delay-in-days":0,"URL":"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\/"}],"content-domain":{"domain":["frontiersin.org"],"crossmark-restriction":true},"short-container-title":["Front. Cardiovasc. Med."],"abstract":"<jats:sec>\n                    <jats:title>Background<\/jats:title>\n                    <jats:p>The prevalence of right bundle branch block (RBBB) among patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and its prognostic value after radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of complete RBBB (CRBBB) and incomplete RBBB (IRBBB) and to evaluate their impact on recurrence after RFCA in patients with AF.<\/jats:p>\n                  <\/jats:sec>\n                  <jats:sec>\n                    <jats:title>Methods<\/jats:title>\n                    <jats:p>\n                      A total of 949 consecutive AF patients who underwent\n                      <jats:italic>de novo<\/jats:italic>\n                      RFCA between 2018 and 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were categorized into non-RBBB, IRBBB, and CRBBB groups. Baseline clinical characteristics were compared among groups. Kaplan\u2013Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to assess the predictive value of RBBB for recurrence.\n                    <\/jats:p>\n                  <\/jats:sec>\n                  <jats:sec>\n                    <jats:title>Results<\/jats:title>\n                    <jats:p>\n                      The prevalence of CRBBB and IRBBB among AF patients was 5.3% (\n                      <jats:italic>n<\/jats:italic>\n                      \u2009=\u200950) and 4.4% (\n                      <jats:italic>n<\/jats:italic>\n                      \u2009=\u200942), respectively, and both increased with aging (\n                      <jats:italic>p<\/jats:italic>\n                      \u2009&amp;lt;\u20090.001). During a median follow-up of 790 days (interquartile range: 495\u20131086 days), the recurrence rates in the non-RBBB, IRBBB, and CRBBB groups were 32.2%, 23.8%, and 56.0%, respectively. Log-rank analysis revealed significant differences in sinus rhythm maintenance among the three groups (\n                      <jats:italic>\n                        \u03c7\n                        <jats:sup>2<\/jats:sup>\n                      <\/jats:italic>\n                      \u2009=\u200910.357,\n                      <jats:italic>p<\/jats:italic>\n                      \u2009=\u20090.006). After adjustment for confounding factors, multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that CRBBB was an independent predictor of recurrence after RFCA (HR\u2009=\u20091.83; 95% CI: 1.04\u20133.23;\n                      <jats:italic>p<\/jats:italic>\n                      \u2009=\u20090.037), whereas IRBBB was not significantly associated with recurrence.\n                    <\/jats:p>\n                  <\/jats:sec>\n                  <jats:sec>\n                    <jats:title>Conclusion<\/jats:title>\n                    <jats:p>The prevalence of RBBB is relatively high among AF patients undergoing RFCA and increases with aging. CRBBB may be an independent predictor of recurrence, whereas IRBBB is not associated with recurrence. The results should be proved by prospective multicenter investigation in the future.<\/jats:p>\n                  <\/jats:sec>","DOI":"10.3389\/fcvm.2026.1790398","type":"journal-article","created":{"date-parts":[[2026,4,13]],"date-time":"2026-04-13T04:42:49Z","timestamp":1776055369000},"update-policy":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3389\/crossmark-policy","source":"Crossref","is-referenced-by-count":0,"title":["Prevalence of right bundle branch block and its impact on recurrence after ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation"],"prefix":"10.3389","volume":"13","author":[{"given":"Huimin","family":"Chu","sequence":"first","affiliation":[{"name":"Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University","place":["Dalian, Liaoning, China"]},{"name":"School of Medicine, Ningbo University","place":["Ningbo, Zhejiang, China"]},{"name":"Arrhythmia Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University","place":["Ningbo, Zhejiang, China"]}],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"given":"Binhao","family":"Wang","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University","place":["Dalian, Liaoning, China"]},{"name":"School of Medicine, Ningbo University","place":["Ningbo, Zhejiang, China"]},{"name":"Arrhythmia Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University","place":["Ningbo, Zhejiang, China"]}],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"given":"Xiaojie","family":"Wang","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University","place":["Dalian, Liaoning, China"]}],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"given":"Yiheng","family":"Yang","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University","place":["Dalian, Liaoning, China"]}],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"given":"Xu","family":"Han","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University","place":["Dalian, Liaoning, China"]}],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"given":"Xiaolei","family":"Yang","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University","place":["Dalian, Liaoning, China"]}],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"given":"Yunlong","family":"Xia","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University","place":["Dalian, Liaoning, China"]}],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]}],"member":"1965","published-online":{"date-parts":[[2026,4,13]]},"reference":[{"key":"B1","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"e143","DOI":"10.1161\/CIRCULATIONAHA.112.129759","article-title":"An update on the prognosis of patients with atrial fibrillation","volume":"126","author":"McManus","year":"2012","journal-title":"Circulation"},{"key":"B2","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"109","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jacc.2023.08.017","article-title":"2023 ACC\/AHA\/ACCP\/HRS guideline for the diagnosis and management of atrial fibrillation","volume":"83","author":"Joglar","year":"2024","journal-title":"J Am Coll Cardiol"},{"key":"B3","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"3314","DOI":"10.1093\/eurheartj\/ehae176","article-title":"2024 ESC guidelines for the management of atrial fibrillation developed in collaboration with the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS)","volume":"45","author":"Van Gelder","year":"2024","journal-title":"Eur Heart J"},{"key":"B4","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"986","DOI":"10.1111\/pace.14751","article-title":"Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation using FireMagic TrueForce ablation catheter: the TRUEFORCE trial","volume":"46","author":"Zhang","year":"2023","journal-title":"Pacing Clin Electrophysiol"},{"key":"B5","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"389","DOI":"10.1161\/CIRCEP.123.011920","article-title":"Pulsed field versus cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation for atrial fibrillation: efficacy, safety, and long-term follow-up in a 400-patient cohort","volume":"16","author":"Urbanek","year":"2023","journal-title":"Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol"},{"key":"B6","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"571","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jjcc.2021.08.004","article-title":"Clinical impact of very early recurrence of atrial fibrillation after radiofrequency catheter ablation","volume":"78","author":"Ukita","year":"2021","journal-title":"J Cardiol"},{"key":"B7","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"38","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jelectrocard.2021.02.009","article-title":"Acute myocardial infarction with right bundle branch block at presentation: prevalence and mortality","volume":"66","author":"Figueroa-Triana","year":"2021","journal-title":"J Electrocardiol"},{"key":"B8","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"918","DOI":"10.1093\/ehjacc\/zuab026","article-title":"Association between new-onset right bundle branch block and primary or secondary ventricular fibrillation in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction","volume":"10","author":"Galcer\u00e1-Jornet","year":"2021","journal-title":"Eur Heart J Acute Cardiovasc Care"},{"key":"B9","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"e12966","DOI":"10.1111\/anec.12966","article-title":"Association between complete right bundle branch block and atrial fibrillation development","volume":"27","author":"Zhang","year":"2022","journal-title":"Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol"},{"key":"B10","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"949","DOI":"10.1002\/joa3.12556","article-title":"Association between atrial fibrillation and bundle branch block","volume":"37","author":"Khan","year":"2021","journal-title":"J Arrhythm"},{"key":"B11","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"e382","DOI":"10.1161\/CIR.0000000000000628","article-title":"2018 ACC\/AHA\/HRS guideline on the evaluation and management of patients with bradycardia and cardiac conduction delay: a report of the American College of Cardiology\/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines and the Heart Rhythm Society","volume":"140","author":"Kusumoto","year":"2019","journal-title":"Circulation"},{"key":"B12","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"60","DOI":"10.1016\/j.amjcard.2020.12.051","article-title":"Impact of baseline right bundle branch block on outcomes after pulmonary vein isolation in patients with atrial fibrillation","volume":"144","author":"Yano","year":"2021","journal-title":"Am J Cardiol"},{"key":"B13","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"138","DOI":"10.1093\/eurheartj\/ehs291","article-title":"Right bundle branch block: prevalence, risk factors, and outcome in the general population: results from the Copenhagen City Heart Study","volume":"34","author":"Bussink","year":"2013","journal-title":"Eur Heart J"},{"key":"B14","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1020","DOI":"10.1007\/s00392-022-02105-z","article-title":"The prognostic significance of bundle branch block in acute heart failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis","volume":"112","author":"Aguil\u00f3","year":"2023","journal-title":"Clin Res Cardiol"},{"key":"B15","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"540","DOI":"10.1016\/j.amjcard.2010.10.007","article-title":"Relation of bundle branch block to long-term (four-year) mortality in hospitalized patients with systolic heart failure","volume":"107","author":"Barsheshet","year":"2011","journal-title":"Am J Cardiol"},{"key":"B16","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1564","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jcin.2017.05.030","article-title":"Clinical impact of baseline right bundle branch block in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement","volume":"10","author":"Auffret","year":"2017","journal-title":"JACC Cardiovasc Interv"},{"key":"B17","first-page":"154","article-title":"In-hospital outcome in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction and right bundle branch block. A sub-study from RENASICA II, a national multicenter registry","volume":"80","author":"Ju\u00e1rez-Herrera","year":"2010","journal-title":"Arch Cardiol Mex"},{"key":"B18","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"631","DOI":"10.1007\/s12350-018-1460-z","article-title":"Electrical and mechanical dyssynchrony in patients with right bundle branch block","volume":"27","author":"Solodky","year":"2020","journal-title":"J Nucl Cardiol"},{"key":"B19","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"137","DOI":"10.4103\/1995-705X.172197","article-title":"Right bundle branch block and electromechanical coupling of the right ventricle: an echocardiographic study","volume":"16","author":"Miller","year":"2015","journal-title":"Heart Views"},{"key":"B20","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"62","DOI":"10.1161\/CIRCEP.107.754564","article-title":"Atrial remodeling and atrial fibrillation: mechanisms and implications","volume":"1","author":"Nattel","year":"2008","journal-title":"Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol"},{"key":"B21","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"524","DOI":"10.1161\/CIRCIMAGING.110.962761","article-title":"Association between left and right atrial remodeling with atrial fibrillation recurrence after pulmonary vein catheter ablation in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: a pilot study","volume":"4","author":"Akutsu","year":"2011","journal-title":"Circ Cardiovasc Imaging"},{"key":"B22","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"88","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jjcc.2020.07.022","article-title":"Age-specific incidence rates of atrial fibrillation and risk factors for the future development of atrial fibrillation in the Japanese general population","volume":"77","author":"Koshiyama","year":"2021","journal-title":"J Cardiol"},{"key":"B23","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"871","DOI":"10.1007\/s00392-015-0856-x","article-title":"The APPLE score: a novel and simple score for the prediction of rhythm outcomes after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation","volume":"104","author":"Kornej","year":"2015","journal-title":"Clin Res Cardiol"},{"key":"B24","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"201","DOI":"10.1016\/j.ijcard.2013.08.097","article-title":"A proposal for a new scoring system in the prediction of catheter ablation outcomes: promising results from the Turkish Cryoablation Registry","volume":"169","author":"Canpolat","year":"2013","journal-title":"Int J Cardiol"},{"key":"B25","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"809","DOI":"10.3390\/jcm14030809","article-title":"Clinical, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic predictors of atrial fibrillation recurrence after pulmonary vein isolation","volume":"14","author":"Karanikola","year":"2025","journal-title":"J Clin Med"},{"key":"B26","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"40828","DOI":"10.1038\/srep40828","article-title":"Prediction of very late arrhythmia recurrence after radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation: the MB-LATER clinical score","volume":"7","author":"Mujovi\u0107","year":"2017","journal-title":"Sci Rep"},{"key":"B27","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"e13247","DOI":"10.1111\/ijcp.13247","article-title":"Using the MB-LATER score for predicting arrhythmia outcome after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation: the Guangzhou atrial fibrillation project","volume":"72","author":"Deng","year":"2018","journal-title":"Int J Clin Pract"},{"key":"B28","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1349","DOI":"10.1093\/eurjhf\/hfr130","article-title":"Right and left bundle branch block as predictors of long-term mortality following myocardial infarction","volume":"13","author":"Lewinter","year":"2011","journal-title":"Eur J Heart Fail"}],"container-title":["Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine"],"original-title":[],"link":[{"URL":"https:\/\/www.frontiersin.org\/articles\/10.3389\/fcvm.2026.1790398\/full","content-type":"unspecified","content-version":"vor","intended-application":"similarity-checking"}],"deposited":{"date-parts":[[2026,4,13]],"date-time":"2026-04-13T04:42:52Z","timestamp":1776055372000},"score":1,"resource":{"primary":{"URL":"https:\/\/www.frontiersin.org\/articles\/10.3389\/fcvm.2026.1790398\/full"}},"subtitle":[],"short-title":[],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026,4,13]]},"references-count":28,"alternative-id":["10.3389\/fcvm.2026.1790398"],"URL":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3389\/fcvm.2026.1790398","relation":{},"ISSN":["2297-055X"],"issn-type":[{"value":"2297-055X","type":"electronic"}],"subject":[],"published":{"date-parts":[[2026,4,13]]},"article-number":"1790398"}}