Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation in Liver Diseases: Epidemiology and Possible Pathophysiological Mechanisms.

Abstract

<b>Background:</b> Atrial fibrillation (AF) is frequently associated with cardiometabolic comorbidities, and increasing evidence suggests a close relationship between AF and liver disease, particularly metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD); however, the clinical patterns, hepatic phenotypes, and clinical implications of this association remain insufficiently characterized. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to characterize hepatic involvement in patients with paroxysmal AF by integrating a structured literature review with original clinical data. <b>Methods:</b> We performed a retrospective analysis of 253 patients admitted with paroxysmal AF between 2015 and 2025. Demographic data and associated diagnoses were collected with a specific focus on hepatic pathology. Patients were stratified according to the presence and type of liver disease, and descriptive statistics, bivariate analyses, and multivariate logistic regression were used to identify associations and independent predictors. <b>Results:</b> Liver disease was identified in 65.2% of patients, most commonly hepatic steatosis (46.2%), followed by liver cirrhosis or advanced liver disease (19.0%). Patients with liver disease had higher prevalences of type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, obesity, and alcohol consumption. Dyslipidemia (OR 4.51) and obesity (OR 2.54) were independent predictors of hepatic steatosis, whereas liver cirrhosis was inversely associated with age and serum lipid levels. <b>Conclusions:</b> Liver pathology is highly prevalent among patients with paroxysmal AF and is closely associated with adverse metabolic and clinical profiles. Recognition of distinct hepatic phenotypes may support improved risk stratification and multidisciplinary management in patients with AF.