Left atrial function: physiology, assessment, and clinical implications

Abstract

The interest in the left atrium (LA) has resurged over the recent years. In the early 1980s, multiple studies were conducted to determine the normal values of LA size. Over the past decade, LA size as an imaging biomarker has been consistently shown to be a powerful predictor of outcomes, including major public health problems such as atrial fibrillation, heart failure, stroke, and death. More recently, functional assessment of the LA has been shown to be, at least as, if not more robust, a marker of cardiovascular outcomes. Current available data suggest that the combined evaluation of LA size and LA function will augment prognostication. The aim of this review is to provide a critical appraisal of current echocardiographic techniques for the assessment of LA function and the implications of such assessment for prediction and disease prevention.

Left Atrium Function Assessment in Hypertensive Patients.

“…However, thegrouptakingcalciumchannelantagonistsappearstohavehad a largersize of the LA. The role of LA size as a marker of LV diastolic function is well known (4,5). Accordingly, we found a strong correlation between LA volume index and LV diastolic function grade.…”

Comparison of initial LA patterns as the road to successful endocardial box lesion ablation

“…In that case is very important to analyze and compare anamnestic data with instrumental diagnostics. [6], [7] But lack of such studies or its one-sided view leads to disclosure of one risk factor or pathologic mechanism that is responsible to one type or subtype of arrhythmia, but not for the whole process . [8] Indirectly it was verified in meta-analysis by Piccini et al, where differences among persistent and LS persistent AF were only in clinical and physiological levels, but not in diagnostically findings.…”

The left atrial phasic functions and the relationship with plasma N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels and symptomatic states in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

“…The LA appendage and pulmonary veins were excluded from planimetry. The following LAVs were measured: the maximal volume (V max ) during left ventricular end-systole just before mitral valve opening, the minimal volume (V min ) just before mitral valve closure, and the LA volume before atrial contraction (V preA ) at the onset of the P wave on the simultaneously recorded ECG (10). In all subjects, LA volumes were indexed to body surface area (BSA) and LA volume index (LAVI) was calculated by indexing V max to BSA.…”