Changes in plasma von Willebrand factor and ADAMTS13 levels associated with left atrial remodeling in atrial fibrillation.

Abstract Introduction Previous studies have shown raised plasma von Willebrand factor (VWF) levels in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, little is known about changes of VWF associated with VWF-cleaving protease (ADAMTS13) in AF. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between changes in plasma VWF and ADAMTS13 levels, and left atrial remodeling in AF patients. Materials and Methods We measured plasma VWF and ADAMTS13 antigen levels in 70 paroxysmal AF (PAF) patients, 56 chronic AF (CAF) patients, and 55 control subjects. Results Plasma VWF levels (mU/ml) were significantly higher in CAF and PAF patients compared with the controls (2103 ± 743, 1930 ± 676, 1532 ± 555, respectively, P  Conclusions These findings suggest that the imbalance between plasma VWF and ADAMTS13 levels caused by left atrial remodeling might be closely associated with intra-atrial thrombus formation in AF patients.