Abstract: Objective To investigate the risk factor and clinical characteristics of silent cerebral infarction (SCI) related to radiofrequency catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation. Methods A total of 40 atrial fibrillation patients receiving radiofrequency catheter ablation were enrolled. All the patients underwent cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination 24 to 72 h after operation. According to the presence of SCI, they were divided into two groups: an SCI group and a non-SCI group. Both groups were compared for patient history, examination results and perioperative conditions through univariate analysis. Results Seven patients presented SCI after operation, with an incidence of 17.5%. BOX ablation in the posterior wall of the left atrium was significantly associated with SCI after radiofrequency catheter ablation in atrial fibrillation patients (P<0.001). Conclusions BOX ablation in the posterior wall of the left atrium significantly increases the risk of SCI after radiofrequency catheter ablation in atrial fibrillation patients. It is necessary to carefully assess the indication for BOX ablation in the posterior wall of the left atrium to reduce the incidence of SCI.