Evidence of atrial mechanical dysfunction by acoustic quantification in abnormal relaxation and restrictive filling patterns of diastolic dysfunction in patients with coronary artery disease.

AIM: This study made use of acoustic quantification (AQ) to investigate if left atrial (LA) mechanical function was impaired in patients with diastolic dysfunction, which might not be detected by conventional Doppler echocardiography. METHODS: One hundred and ten patients with coronary artery disease (mean age 65+/-11 years, 80% male) underwent echocardiography prospectively while AQ was performed using harmonic imaging at the apical four-chamber view to evaluate LA function. RESULTS: By Doppler echocardiography, left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction in the form of abnormal relaxation pattern (ARP) was present in 84, pseudonormal (PN) in nine and restrictive filling pattern (RFP) in 10 patients. LA mechanical dysfunction with impaired total fractional area change (FAC) of 相似文献   

Effects of pacing-induced and balloon coronary occlusion ischemia on left atrial function in patients with coronary artery disease

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare left atrial (LA) function in 16 patients with distal left anterior descending (LAD) and in 16 patients with proximal left circumflex (LCx) coronary artery stenosis at rest and immediately after pacing-induced tachycardia (LAD-pacing [P] and LCx-P) or coronary occlusion (LAD-CO and LCx-CO). BACKGROUND: During left ventricular (LV) ischemia, compensatory augmentation of LA contraction enhances LV filling and performance. The left atrium is supplied predominantly by branches arising from the LCx. Therefore, we hypothesized that one mechanism for the loss of atrial contraction may be ischemic LA dysfunction. METHODS: Left ventricular and LA pressure-area relations were derived from simultaneous double-tip micromanometer pressure recordings and automatic boundary detection echocardiograms. RESULTS: Immediately after pacing or after coronary occlusion, LV end-diastolic pressure, LV relaxation, LA mean pressure and LV stiffness significantly increased in all patients. However, the area of the A loop of the LA pressure-area relation, representing the LA pump function, significantly decreased in groups LCx-P and LCx-CO (from 14+/-3 to 9+/-2, and from 16+/-4 to 9+/-2 mm Hg.cm2, respectively, p < 0.05), whereas it increased in groups LAD-P and LAD-CO (from 12+/-3 to 54+/-10, and from 16+/-3 to 49+/-8 mm Hg.cm2, respectively, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with LAD stenosis, LV supply or demand ischemia is associated with enhanced LA pump function. However, in patients with proximal LCx stenosis who develop the same type and degree of ischemia, LA branches might have been affected, rendering the LA ischemic and unable to increase its booster pump function.     

The Responsibility of Left Atrial Size and Wall Contraction Velocity to Left Atrial Active Emptying in Relation to the Mitral Flow Velocity Pattern

The aim of this study was to investigate the role and limitations of left atrial (LA) preload or contractility as determinants of active LA emptying in patients with heart failure. In 56 healthy individuals (controls) and 30 patients with heart failure, the LA volume before atrial contraction (LAV_preI), the LA volume reduction (LASVI) and LA wall contraction velocity (LAWV) during atrial contraction, and the transmitral peak flow velocities during early diastole (E) and atrial contraction (A) were determined using two‐dimensional pulsed Doppler or tissue Doppler echocardiography. LAV_preI and LASVI were positively correlated in patients whose A/E ratio was ≥1 (r = 0.58) and negatively correlated in those whose A/E ratio was <1 (r =?0.63). LAWV was significantly lower in those with heart failure than in the controls 2.2 (1.2) cm/sec, versus 3.3 (0.8) cm/sec; mean (standard deviation) and negatively correlated with left ventricular end‐diastolic pressure (r =?0.37). LAWV and LASVI were significantly correlated (r = 0.71). This correlation was stronger in the patients whose A/E ratio was <1 than in those whose A/E ratio was ≥1. Multivariate regression analysis showed that LAWV was the only factor affecting LASVI. In patients with heart failure and an A/E ratio of <1, the contribution of LA dilatation to active LA emptying may be limited, and LAWV may be the most important determinant of active LA emptying, even if this velocity is decreased because of elevated left ventricular diastolic pressure. (Echocardiography 2010;27:847‐853)     

Posterior Left Atrial Wall Hematoma Mimicking Cystic Intracavitary Atrial Mass

Atrial myxoma is the most common benign primary tumor of the heart most commonly in the left atrium (LA). Cystic or cavitated intracardiac masses are rare. We report the case of a 43‐year‐old male patient admitted with chest infection, hemoptysis, and severe respiratory distress, who had to be ventilated. Chest computed tomography showed bilateral lung consolidation with large mass occupying the region of the LA. Transthoracic echocardiography and transesophageal echocardiography showed a large intracavitary left atrial cystic mobile mass. Open‐heart surgical exploration did not show any mass inside the LA. A posterior left atrial wall hematoma was found and evacuated. Biopsies confirmed the presence of blood clots. Posterior left atrial wall hematoma may appear as left atrial intracavitary cystic mass and should be included in the differential diagnosis of cystic left atrial mass. (Echocardiography 2010;27:E102‐E104)     

Diastology: 2020-A practical guide

Left ventricular (LV) diastolic function can be most conveniently assessed by echocardiography which provides reliable assessments of LV structure and function. Most patients with structural heart disease have variable degrees of myocardial dysfunction. LV structural changes as pathologic hypertrophy and systolic functional abnormalities as depressed LV long-axis systolic function are associated with diastolic dysfunction. The recognition of structural abnormalities and abnormal LV long-axis function as indices of diastolic dysfunction is an important difference between 2016 and 2009 guidelines. In addition, there are other Doppler findings indicative of diastolic dysfunction and abnormally elevated LV filling pressures. In the absence of clinical, 2D echocardiographic, and specific Doppler indices of diastolic dysfunction, mitral annulus early diastolic velocity (e’), left atrium (LA) maximum volume index, peak velocity of tricuspid regurgitation jet by continuous-wave Doppler, and ratio of mitral inflow early diastolic velocity to e’ velocity can be used to draw inferences about LV diastolic function. In the presence of diastolic dysfunction, mean LA pressure and grade of diastolic dysfunction should be determined. When LA pressure at rest is normal, it is reasonable to proceed to diastolic stress testing in an attempt to identify patients with dyspnea due to heart failure. There are specific algorithms recommended in patients with atrial fibrillation, moderate or severe mitral annular calcification, and noncardiac pulmonary hypertension.     

Comparison of left atrial function in healthy individuals versus patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction using two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography

Abstract

Left atrial (LA) function has been associated with adverse outcomes in patients after acute myocardial infarction. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate LA function in patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) by two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D STE). Fifty-one patients with NSTEMI and 40 age-matched normal control individuals were enrolled in this study. Conventional echocardiographic parameters and global longitudinal strain rate (GLSR) were measured at left ventricular (LV) and LA segments. Compared with healthy subjects, patients with NSTEMI had significantly increased LA volumes but significantly decreased LA emptying fraction and GLSR. LA-GLSR had significant correlations with the 2D Doppler echocardiographic parameters of LA function. In particular, global LA peak negative strain rate during early ventricular diastole (LA-GLSRe) was significantly correlated with both LA 2D Doppler echocardiographic parameters and LV contractile function. This could be suggested as a better indicator to evaluate LA function as a preferred parameter of STE.     

Echocardiographic assessment of left atrial function for prediction of efficacy of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation

Proper selection for catheter ablation (CA) for atrial fibrillation (AF) is still an issue. Echocardiographic assessment of left atrium (LA) is complex and challenging. Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) with recent standardized LA deformation analysis allows for the quantitative assessment of various LA function parameters. We aimed to assess the value of detailed evaluations of LA function using STE in patients with non-valvular AF without structural heart disease to predict the outcomes after CA for AF. Secondary aim was to analyze the prediction of CA efficacy in patients with normal LA dimension in baseline echocardiography.We studied with transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography 82 patients (58% males, mean age 57.3 ± 9.5 years) with non-valvular paroxysmal AF without structural heart disease scheduled for CA. Peak longitudinal LA strain (LAS) and strain rate (LASR) during the reservoir (r), conduit (cd) and contraction (ct) phases were measured by STE before the procedure. Patients were followed for 1 year using serial 4 to 7 day Holter ECG monitoring.Complete freedom from any AF recurrence was achieved in 44 (54%) patients. All patients had normal left ventricular systolic and diastolic function and 53 (65%) of them had not enlarged LA. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, global left atrial reservoir strain (LASr) was identified as an independent predictor of CA efficacy (OR [95% CI]: 1.35 [1.17–1.55], P < .0001). The opportunity of CA success was 135 fold higher for each 1% increase in global LASr.The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis identified global LASr and left atrial conduit strain (LAScd) as the most powerful parameters for predicting of CA outcome with an area under the curve of 0.896 and 0.860, respectively, in the whole study group, and 0.922 and 0.938, respectively, in patients with not enlarged LA.In patients with paroxysmal AF and normal standard echocardiographic assessment, parameters reflecting LA compliance - reservoir and conduit strain, are independent and strong predictors of CA outcome.     

Role of speckle tracking echocardiography in detecting early left atrial dysfunction in hypertensive patients

Background

Arterial hypertension adversely affects left atrial (LA) size and function, effect on function may precede effect on size. Many techniques were used to assess LA function but with pitfalls.

Effects of left atrial compliance on left atrial pressure in pure mitral stenosis.

In mitral stenosis (MS), left atrial (LA) pressure is commonly elevated because of increased LA afterload. There is a wide spectrum of LA pressure in patients with MS, however, despite a similar mitral valve orifice area. LA compliance is an important determinant of both cardiovascular performance and pathological physiology. Few data are available, however, regarding the effects of LA compliance on LA pressure. We hypothesized that LA pressure may be higher in patients with decreased LA compliance. We analyzed the right heart and transseptal catheterization data in 47 patients (41 female, mean age 40 +/- 10 years) with pure MS and sinus rhythm. The magnitude of LA a and v waves was measured from transseptal catheterization. Fick's method was used to determine cardiac output. LA compliance was calculated by dividing the systolic rise in LA pressure (DeltaP(LA) = P(LA(v)) - P(LA(x))) into the stroke volume. LA size, mitral valve area (MVA), mean diastolic pressure gradient (MG), left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic and end-systolic dimensions were obtained by using two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography. Multiple regression analysis was performed to identify independent factors determining LA pressure. The mean MVA was 0.95 +/- 0.22 cm(2). MG and LA dimension were 11.2 +/- 5.2 mm Hg and 50.6 +/- 5.2 mm, respectively. The mean LA pressure and cardiac output obtained by cardiac catheterization were 23.4 +/- 8.4 mm Hg and 4.3 +/- 1.5 L/min, respectively. The calculated LA compliance was 4.9 +/- 2.8 cm(3)/mm Hg. Univariate analysis showed that factors associated with increased LA pressure were smaller MVA (r = -0.33, P < 0.05), higher MG (r = 0.69, P < 0.01) and lower LA compliance (r = -0.55, P < 0.01); among them, MG (beta coefficient 0.59, SE 0.19, P < 0.01) and LA compliance (beta coefficient -0.26, standard error 0.34, P < 0.05) were the strongest predictors of LA pressure. In conclusion, LA compliance, along with MG that reflects the severity of MS, is an important contributing factor determining LA pressure in patients with pure MS and sinus rhythm.     

The effect of different atrioventricular delays on left atrium and left atrial appendage function in patients with DDD pacemaker

Background: Although it has been known that optimization of atrioventricular delay (AVD) has favorable effect on the left ventricular functions in patients with DDD pacemaker, the effect of different AVDs on left atrium (LA) and left atrial appendage (LAA) functions has not been exactly evaluated. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of different AVDs on LA and LAA functions in DDD pacemaker implanted patients with atrioventricular block. Methods: Forty‐eight patients with DDD pacemaker were enrolled into the study. Patients were divided into two groups according to the echocardiographic diastolic function: Group I (normal diastolic function) and Group II (diastolic dysfunction). LAA emptying velocity on pulsed wave Doppler and LAA late systolic wave velocity by using tissue Doppler were recorded. Patients were paced for five successive continuous pacing periods of 10 minutes duration using five selective AVDs (80–250 ms). Results: Significant effect on LA and LAA functions has not been observed by the setting of AVD in Group I. However, when the AVD was gradually shortened form 150 ms to 80 ms, LA and LAA functions gradually decreased in Group II patients. When AVD increased to 200 ms, LA and LAA functions were improved. Further increase in AVD resulted in decreased LA and LAA functions. Conclusion: Setting of AVD has not significant effect on the LA and LAA functions in patients with normal diastolic function, but moderate prolongation of AVD in physiological limits improved LA and LAA functions in DDD pacemaker implanted patients with diastolic dysfunction. (Echocardiography 2011;28:626‐632)     

Assessment of Left Atrial Appendage Structure and Function by Transesophageal Echocardiography: A Review

This article examines the transesophageal echocardiographic assessment of the left atrial appendage anatomy and function in individuals without significant structural heart disease and in those with atrial fibrillation with or without cardioembolism or mitral valve stenosis. We also summarize the available data in the usefulness of transesophageal echocardiographic studies in patients undergoing cardioversion for atrial fibrillation and percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty for mitral stenosis. Also, potential limitations and ongoing developments in the use of transesophageal echocardiography in the assessment of the left atrial appendage are outlined, and recommendations are given for the uniform reporting of quantitative data.     

Role of transthoracic echocardiography in atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation is a major clinical problem that is predicted to be encountered more frequently as the population ages. The clinical management of atrial fibrillation has become increasingly complex as new therapies and strategies have become available for ventricular rate control, conversion to sinus rhythm, maintenance of sinus rhythm, and prevention of thromboembolism. Clinical and transthoracic echocardiographic features are important in determining etiology and directing therapy for atrial fibrillation. Left atrial size, left ventricular wall thickness, and left ventricular function have independent predictive value for determining the risk of developing atrial fibrillation. Left atrial size may have predictive value in determining the success of cardioversion and maintaining sinus rhythm in selected clinical settings but has less value in the most frequently encountered group, patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, in whom the duration of atrial fibrillation is the most important feature. When selecting pharmacological agents to control ventricular rate, convert to sinus rhythm, and maintain normal sinus rhythm, transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) allows noninvasive evaluation of left ventricular function and hence guides management. The combination of clinical and transthoracic echocardiographic features also allows risk stratification for thromboembolism and hemorrhagic complications in atrial fibrillation. High-risk clinical features for thromboembolism supported by epidemiological observations, results of randomized clinical trials, and meta-analyses include rheumatic valvular heart disease, prior thromboembolism, congestive heart failure, hypertension, older (> 75 years old) women, and diabetes. Small series of cases also suggest those with hyperthyroidism and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy are at high risk. TTE plays a unique role in confirming or discovering high-risk features such as rheumatic valvular disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and decreased left ventricular function. Validation of the risk stratification scheme used in the Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation-III trial is welcomed by clinicians who are faced daily with balancing the benefit and risks of anticoagulation to prevent thromboembolism in patients with atrial fibrillation.     

Relationship between left atrial appendage function and plasma concentration of atrial natriuretic peptide.

BACKGROUND: It has been reported that the most intensely granuled cardiocytes secreting atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) are located in the atrial appendages. AIMS: To evaluate the mechanisms of ANP release in congestive heart failure. METHODS AND RESULTS: The relationship between ANP and left atrial appendage (LAA) function was evaluated in 36 patients who underwent both transoesophageal echocardiography and cardiac catheterization. ANP level correlated positively with mean pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (mPCWP; r=0.75, P<0.0001), whereas it showed no significant correlation with the mean right atrial pressure. mPCWP correlated positively with the maximal LAA area (LAAa; r=0.79, P<0.0001) and negatively with the LAA ejection fraction during atrial contraction (LAA-EF; r=-0.61, P<0.0001) and peak late diastolic LAA emptying flow velocity (LAAF; r=-0.69, P<0.0001). ANP level correlated negatively with the LAA-EF (r=-0.56, P<0.001) and with LAAF (r=-0.61, P<0.0001). ANP level correlated more closely with the LAAa (r=0.79, P<0.0001) than with maximal LA volume (r=0.34, P<0.05). Multiple stepwise regression analysis selected LAAa as the only factor independently related to the plasma concentration of ANP (ANP=-22.4+28.6 LAAa, r=0.79, P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the factor most predictive for ANP in patients with left-sided cardiac dysfunction is distension of the LAA wall rather than elevation in the LA pressure or distension of the body of LA. This is consistent with the known distribution of ANP-secreting cardiocytes.     

Carvedilol therapy is associated with an improvement in left atrial appendage function in patients with congestive heart failure

Heart failure is one of the leading death reasons in the world. Left atrial appendage (LAA) is of great importance in maintaining cardiac function. We examined the effect of carvedilol therapy on left atrial appendage functions in patients with symptomatic congestive heart failure. Twenty patients with symptomatic congestive heart failure and resting ejection fraction < or = 40% were included in this study. LAA was visualized by transesophageal echocardiography. LAA area change (LAAAC), LAA empty velocity (LAAEV) and LAA empty velocity time integral (LAAEVTI) were calculated as the average of five cardiac cycles. A minimum dose of carvedilol administered to each patient, was titrated up to maximal dose that the patients could tolerate, during an 8-week period. After the third month of completing treatment, a second transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiographic study was performed. Heart rate (P < 0.001), systolic (P = 0.002) blood pressures were reduced by carvedilol therapy at the end of the third month. LAAEV (P < 0.001), LAAEVTI (P < 0.001), and LAAAC (P < 0.001) were significantly increased at the end of the third month of carvedilol therapy. This study indicates that in patients with symptomatic congestive heart failure, carvedilol therapy is associated with an improvement in left atrial appendage function.     

Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in patients with so-called lone atrial fibrillation

Lone atrial fibrillation (AF) is defined by the absence of identifiable causes of AF, but its hemodynamics have not been investigated. Twenty-eight patients with lone AF were compared with 14 control patients referred for Wolff-Parkinson-White ablation. Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography were performed to rule out structural heart disease, followed by transseptally performed complete hemodynamic evaluation of the left heart systolic and diastolic function. There was no evidence of diastolic dysfunction according to echocardiographic criteria in AF and control patients. There was no difference in echocardiographic measurements, except for a significantly higher inferosuperior left atrial dimension seen in the four-chamber apical view in AF patients (51+/-10 vs 40+/-6 mm, P = 0.03). Hemodynamic evaluation showed that end-diastolic left ventricular pressure and the nadir of the left atrial Y descent were significantly higher in lone AF patients versus controls: 13+/-5 versus 8+/-3 mmHg (P = 0.001) and 6.7+/-3 versus 4.6+/-2.7 mmHg (P = 0.05). Our results demonstrated the presence of diastolic left heart dysfunction in patients with so-called lone AF.     

Left Atrial Structure and Function,and Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction: JACC State-of-the-Art Review

Defining left atrial (LA) function has recently emerged as a powerful parameter, particularly in evaluation of left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Echocardiographic assessment of LVDD by echocardiography remains a challenging task; recent recommendations provide a simpler approach than previous. However, the shortcomings of the proposed approach (including transmitral flow, tissue velocity, maximum left atrial volume [LAV], and estimated pulmonary artery systolic pressure), lead to the presence and severity of LVDD remaining undetermined in a significant proportion of patients. Maximum LAV is a surrogate measure of the chronicity and severity of LVDD, but LAV alone is an insensitive biomarker of early phases of LVDD, because the LA may take time to remodel. Because the primary function of the LA is to modulate LV filling, it is not surprising that functional LA changes become evident at the earliest stages of LVDD. Moreover, LA function may provide additive value, not only in diagnosing LVDD, but also in grading its severity and in monitoring the effects of treatment. The current review provides a critical appraisal on the existing evidence for the role of LA metrics in evaluation of LVDD and consequent heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.     

Left Atrial Responses to Acute Right Ventricular Apical Pacing in Patients with Sick Sinus Syndrome

Chronic right ventricular apical (RVA) pacing can lead to an increased risk of heart failure and atrial fibrillation, but the acute effects of RVA pacing on left atrial (LA) function are not well known. Twenty‐four patients with sick sinus syndrome and intact intrinsic atrioventricular conduction were included. All patients received dual‐chamber pacemaker implants with the atrial lead in the right atrial appendage and the ventricular lead in the right ventricular (RV) apex. Transthoracic standard and strain echocardiography (measured by tissue Doppler imaging and speckle tracking image) were performed to identify functional changes in the left ventricle (LV) and LA before and after 1 hour of RVA pacing. The LA volume index did not change after pacing; however, the ratio of peak early diastolic mitral flow velocity (E) to peak early diastolic mitral annular velocity (Ea) was significantly increased and peak systolic LA strain (Sm), mean peak systolic LA strain rate (SmSR), peak early diastolic LA strain rate (EmSR), and peak late diastolic LA strain rate (AmSR) were significantly reduced after RV pacing. LV dyssynchrony, induced by RV pacing, had a significant correlation with E/Ea, Sm, and SmSR after pacing. E/Ea also had a negative correlation with Sm and SmSR after pacing. Multivariate regression analysis identified LV dyssynchrony and E/Ea as important factors that affect Sm, SmSR, EmSR, and AmSR after acute RVA pacing. Acute RVA pacing results in LA functional change and LV dyssynchrony and higher LV filling pressures reflected by E/Ea are important causes of LA dysfunction after acute RVA pacing.     

Time course of left atrial mechanical recovery after linear lesions: normal sinus rhythm versus a chronic atrial fibrillation dog model

INTRODUCTION: The extent of left atrial (LA) mechanical function recovery after creation of linear lesions using the loop catheter has not been determined. METHODS AND RESULTS: LA mechanical function was assessed before and after linear lesions using transthoracic two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography in two groups: (1) normal, which consisted of eight healthy dogs in normal sinus rhythm (NSR); and (2) atrial fibrillation (AF), which consisted of nine dogs in spontaneous AF for 6 months following rapid pacing-induced AF. NSR was restored with linear lesions in all AF dogs. All animals were in NSR 5 months after linear lesions. In the normal dogs, the maximal velocity of the transmitral flow "A" wave was reduced by 42% during the first week postablation and by 24% at 5 months versus preablation. At 5 months, no differences in LA function were noted between the normal and the AF group for all measured Doppler parameters. At 5 months, the LA systolic area in AF dogs was reduced by 40% (preablation 12.9 +/- 2.9 cm2, postablation 7.6 +/- 1.2 cm2; P < 0.01) and in the normal dogs by 21% (preablation 10.0 +/- 0.9 cm2, postablation 7.8 +/- 1.2 cm2; P < 0.02), being the same in both groups within 3 months of recovery. CONCLUSION: The creation of linear lesions with the loop catheter does not result in LA expansion. In normal dogs, LA mechanical activity is reduced for 3 weeks postablation. The time course of LA mechanical function recovery is the same for the AF and the NSR dogs, and it is complete at 3 months postablation. At 5 months, LA systolic function parameters in both groups are reduced by 24% versus the preablation values of the normal dogs. Linear lesions result in a significant reduction in LA size.     

Reduced Peak Atrial Systolic Mitral Annular Velocity Predicts the Development of Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation

We investigated whether the echocardiographic parameters of the left atrium (LA) can predict the development of nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF). Among 14,062 patients ( > 20 years old) who underwent an echocardiographic examination were evaluated, 2,606 patients who underwent follow-up ECG with an interval of > 6 months were investigated. Newly developed AF was noted in 42 (1.6%) patients with follow-up duration of 31.8 ± 8.9 months. Cox regression analysis revealed that a higher left atrial volume index (hazard ratio [HR ]= 1.06; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03–1.09, P < 0.001), relative wall thickness (RWT) of ≥ 0.407 (HR = 2.74, 95% CI 1.39–5.41, P = 0.004), a reduced peak atrial systolic mitral annular velocity (HR = 0.845, 95% CI 0.72–0.99, P = 0.037), and an advanced age (HR = 1.04, 95% CI 1.01–1.07, P = 0.009) were independently related to the development of nonvalvular AF. Therefore, reduced A ' , which is parameter of LA contractile function, might be an important predictor for the development of nonvalvular AF.     

Evaluation of left atrial size in patients with atrial arrhythmias: comparison of standard 2D versus real time 3D echocardiography

AIM: Two-dimensional echocardiography may not correctly indicate size in nonspherical atria. The present study compares different parameters of left atrial size evaluated by standard two-dimensional echocardiography with left atrial volume measured using three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE). METHODS AND RESULTS: One hundred seventy consecutive patients with a history of atrial arrhythmias were studied by standard two-dimensional and by real time 3DE. Of these 166 (98%) recordings were of sufficient quality for interpretation by both imaging techniques. The following parameters of left atrial size were measured: parasternal long axis diameter (PLAX), apical 4-chamber short-axis diameter (4CH short axis), apical 4-chamber (4CH long axis), and 2-chamber long-axis diameters and planimetry areas. Two-dimensional-derived left atrial volumes were calculated by using both single plane (4CH area-length) and biplane area-length methods. The 2D parameters were then correlated with left atrial volume measured by 3D echocardiography. Linear regression analysis showed moderate correlation for 4-chamber planimetry area (r = 0.76, P < 0.0001) and 2D-derived volume calculations (r of 4CH single plane area-length LA volume = 0.74 and biplane area-length LA volume = 0.78, P < 0.0001). Diameters correlated less well with 3DE volume (r of PLAX = 0.67, 4CH short axis = 0.68, 4CH long axis = 0.63, P < 0.0001 respectively). CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate that measurements of dimensions using standard echocardiography are of limited accuracy to assess left atrial volume. If 3DE is not available, 4-chamber planimetry area is a valid simple parameter for evaluating left atrial size in clinical practice. Two-dimensional-derived volume by biplane area-length method was only slightly better correlated with 3DE volume than 4-chamber planimetry area.