Evaluation of Left Atrial Size and Function : Relevance for Clinical Practice

• Left atrial (LA) structural and functional evaluation have recently emerged as powerful biomarkers for adverse events in a variety of cardiovascular conditions. Moreover, noninvasive evaluation of LA pressure has gained importance in the characterization of the hemodynamic profile of patients. This review de-scribes the methodology, benefits and pitfalls of measuring LA size and function by echocardiography and provides a brief overview of the prognostic utility of newer echocardiographic metrics of LA geometry and function (i.e., three-dimensional volumes, longitudinal strain, and phasic function parameters).

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Kardiologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Cardiac and Cardiovascular Systems (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Left atrium

Maximal volume

Minimal volumes

Phasic function

Two-dimensional echocardiography

Three-dimensional echocardiography

Tissue Doppler echocardiography

Speckle-tracking echocardiography

Noninvasive LA pressure

Publication and Content Type

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