[Treatment of atrial fibrillation with fenoxedil hydrochloride. Apropos of 112 cases].

One hundred and twelve patients with atrial fibrillation of different causes were treated with fenoxedil chlorhydrate. Sinus rhythm was restored in 81 cases (72.3 p. 100). The best results were obtained in the following conditions: hypertensive heart disease (77.6 p. 100), ischemic heart disease (75 p. 100), idiopathic atrial fibrillation (76.4 p. 100), senile lone fibrillation (78.2 p. 100). The results were average in valvular heart disease (57.1 p. 100) and in hyperthyroidism (40%). Age did not appear to be a deciding factor, the overall results being comparable in patients under 70 years of age (70.8 p. 100) and over 70 years of age (73.4 p. 100). Although recent atrial fibrillation was reduced more easily (83.3 p. 100), the results were satisfactory in chronic arrhythmias (over 3 years) (77.7 p. 100). The success rate was 76.3 p. 100 when the cardiothoracic index was over 0.60, and 66.6 p. 100 when less than 0.60. The antiarrhythmic effect of fenoxedil chlorhydrate is related to its electrophysiological properties as it depresses sinus node activity and atrioventricular conduction. No arrhythmic or conduction complications were observed during a short period (maximum 5 days) of close monitoring. However, lengthening of the QT and PR intervals was a common phenomenon. The advantages of fenoxedil chlorhydrate over electrical cardioversion (atraumatic, possibility of associating digitalis) and the results obtained whilst respecting the prescribing advice, justify its adoption as a method of converting atrial fibrillation.