Familial atrial fibrillation involving a novel KCNQ1 variant with unique
phenotypes
Abstract
Several rare mutations associated with familial lone atrial fibrillation
(AF) have been identified; however, the phenotypes are varied and poorly
elucidated.Here, we report a 29-year-old woman with AF refractory to
anti-arrhythmic drugs. Her family history revealed early-onset and
persistent AF in her father and brother as well. Genetic analysis
subsequently demonstrated a c.421G>A mutation in the KCNQ1
gene. Unique phenotypes including absence of both atrial appendages,
extremely high atrial frequencies, and refractoriness to both ablative
and pharmacological therapy were observed. Our study suggests the need
for further exploration of the function of KCNQ1 and the mechanism of
AF.