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Moghaddasfar T, Vahidi H, Faramarzpour M, Larti F. Echocardiography in left atrial thrombosis. Clin Case Rep 2023; 11:e7153. [PMID: 37006848 PMCID: PMC10062306 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.7153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation is one of the major predisposing factors in developing left atrial thrombosis, leading to morbidity and mortality. Echocardiography plays a paramount role in this condition's detection and subsequent treatment. Atrial fibrillation is one of the major predisposing factors in developing left atrial thrombosis, leading to morbidity and mortality. Echocardiography plays a paramount role in this condition's detection and subsequent treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara Moghaddasfar
- Department of Cardiology, Imam Khomeini Hospital ComplexTehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Hamed Vahidi
- Department of Cardiology, Imam Khomeini Hospital ComplexTehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Maryam Faramarzpour
- Department of Cardiology, Imam Khomeini Hospital ComplexTehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Farnoosh Larti
- Department of Cardiology, Imam Khomeini Hospital ComplexTehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
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2
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Impact of common rhythm disturbances on echocardiographic measurements and interpretation. Clin Res Cardiol 2022; 111:1301-1312. [DOI: 10.1007/s00392-022-02096-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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Grassinger JM, Henrich M, Echevarría AC, März I, Henrich E, Bartel A, Schneider M, Aupperle-Lellbach H. Correlation of Histopathological Changes in the Left Atrium and Left Atrial Appendage with the Degree of Dilation in Cats. J Comp Pathol 2021; 189:8-25. [PMID: 34886990 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2021.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Although atrial dilation is a common finding in feline cardiac disease, detailed investigations of atrial pathology are rare in cats. The aim of the study was to investigate the correlation between pathohistological findings, morphometric data and the degree of dilation of the left atrial appendage (LAA) in 53 cats. Based on the LAA volume, the samples were grouped into normal/control (group 0, ≤1 ml [n = 9]), mildly dilated (group 1, >1 to ≤2 ml [n = 16]), moderately dilated (group 2, >2 to ≤3 ml [n = 14]) and markedly dilated (group 3, >3 ml [n = 14]) groups, independent of the underlying disease. Samples from the LAA and the left atrium (LA) were histologically evaluated using haematoxylin and eosin- and Picrosirius red-stained sections, and morphometrically analysed using an image analysis system. The degree of endo-, myo- and epicardial fibrosis was directly correlated with increased LAA dilation. Due to cardiomyocyte hyperplasia and hypertrophy, the mean thickness of the atrial wall was significantly greater in groups 1 and 2 than in group 0. Conversely, group 3 had a lower mean atrial wall thickness than groups 1 and 2, which was attributed to increased transmural fibrosis and cardiomyocyte atrophy. These findings reflect intensive dynamic remodelling processes during LA and LAA dilation, indicating that reversibility appears to be limited in cases of severe left atrial dilation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia M Grassinger
- LABOKLIN GmbH & Co. KG, Labor für Klinische Diagnostik, Bad Kissingen, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Manfred Henrich
- Institut für Veterinär-Pathologie, Veterinärmedizinische Fakultät der Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, Gießen, Berlin, Germany
| | - Argine C Echevarría
- LABOKLIN GmbH & Co. KG, Labor für Klinische Diagnostik, Bad Kissingen, Berlin, Germany
| | - Imke März
- Tierklinik Hofheim, Hofheim, Berlin, Germany
| | - Estelle Henrich
- Klinik für Kleintiere, Veterinärmedizinische Fakultät der Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, Gießen, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alexander Bartel
- Institut für Veterinär-Epidemiologie und Biometrie, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Matthias Schneider
- Klinik für Kleintiere, Veterinärmedizinische Fakultät der Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, Gießen, Berlin, Germany
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Barletta V, Mazzocchetti L, Parollo M, Spatafora D, Bongiorni M, Zucchelli G. Multimodality imaging for atrial fibrosis detection in the era of precision medicine. J Cardiovasc Echogr 2021; 31:189-197. [PMID: 35284213 PMCID: PMC8893107 DOI: 10.4103/jcecho.jcecho_61_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, atrial fibrillation (AF) has increasingly become a focus of attention because it represents the most encountered arrhythmia in clinical practice and a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Issues underlying AF have long been debated; nevertheless, electrical, contractile, and structural remodeling is demonstrated to be the pivotal contributor to arrhythmic substrate. Fibrosis is a hallmark of arrhythmogenic structural remodeling, resulting from an accumulation of fibrillar collagen deposits, as a reparative process to replace degenerating myocardium with concomitant reactive fibrosis, which causes interstitial expansion. Although the precise role of fibrosis in AF initiation and maintenance remains to be fully elucidated, a better definition of its extent and distribution may assist in designing individually tailored ablation approaches and improving procedure outcomes by targeting the fibrotic substrates with an organized strategy employing imaging resources. A deep comprehension of the mechanisms underlying atrial fibrosis could be crucial to setting up improved strategies for preventing AF-promoting structural remodeling. Imaging modalities such as echocardiography, cardiac computed tomography, and cardiac magnetic resonance, combined sometimes with invasive electroanatomical mapping, could provide valuable information for the optimal patients’ management if their use is not limited to cardiac anatomy study but extended to characterize abnormal left atrial substrate. Although pulmonary vein isolation is usually efficacious in treating paroxysmal AF, it is not sufficient for many patients with nonparoxysmal arrhythmias, particularly those with longstanding persistent AF. Noninvasive imaging techniques play a pivotal role in the planning of arrhythmic substrates ablation and show a strong correlation with electro-anatomic mapping, whose novel multipolar mapping catheters allow nowadays a more precise comprehension of atrial substrate. This review aims to explore the impact of the various imaging modalities for the detection of atrial fibrosis and their role in the management of AF.
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Cone AK. The Role of Echocardiography in Determining the Method of Ablation for the Treatment of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation: A Literature Review. JOURNAL OF DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL SONOGRAPHY 2018. [DOI: 10.1177/8756479318755672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation is the most common cardiac arrhythmia, affecting approximately 1 out of every 250 people. It is associated with thrombus formation in the left atrium, decreased cardiac output, and deterioration of the myocardium. There are multiple treatments available for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. This literature review will assess the benefits, risks, and complications associated with radiofrequency ablation and cryoablation, which utilize heat and freezing mechanisms, respectively. The review will also assess the role of echocardiography in determining which treatment, if any, is appropriate for atrial fibrillation.
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Vural MG, Çetin S, Gündüz H, Özcan Abacıoğlu Ö, Akdemir R, Fırat H, Yeter E. Assessment of left atrial appendage function during sinus rhythm in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. Anatol J Cardiol 2016; 16:34-41. [PMID: 26467361 PMCID: PMC5336703 DOI: 10.5152/akd.2015.5751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with thromboembolic events. Compromised left atrial appendage (LAA) function due to left ventricular (LV) performance abnormality, often present in patients with OSA, may play an important role. The purpose of this study is to evaluate LV and LAA mechanical functions during sinus rhythm (SR) in patients with OSA. Methods: LV and LAA functions were assessed in 43 OSA patients and compared with that of 20 control patients in SR. Tissue Doppler velocities of the LAA apex and emptying velocities (EV) of LAA were obtained on parasternal short-axis view. Results: The baseline clinical characteristics were similar except for AHI (apnea-hypopnea index), minimal SaO2, mean SaO2, hypertension, and body-surface area. Most of the LV echocardiographic parameters significantly deteriorated in OSA patients in comparison with those in the control group. LAA EV, LAA systolic relaxation velocity (SM), LAA early-diastolic velocity (EM), LAA contraction velocity (AM), left atrial (LA) minimum volume index, LA ejection fraction, LA conduit volume index, and LA reservoir volume index were lower in OSA patients compared with those in the control group (p<0.05). LAA AM was negatively correlated with AHI and the ratio of peak early diastolic flow velocity (E) to early-diastolic (E’) and positively correlated with LA conduit volume (p<0.05). Multiple predictors for LAA AM were AHI, presence of diastolic dysfunction, and E/E’ values (p<0.05). Conclusion: LAA mechanical function is significantly depressed in patients with OSA and SR. LAA dysfunction may predispose these patients to thromboembolic events. The evaluation of LAA mechanical function by tissue Doppler study using transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) may become an alternative for routine work-up in OSA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Gökhan Vural
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Cardiology, Sakarya University; Sakarya-Turkey.
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Bejinariu AG, Härtel DU, Brockmeier J, Oeckinghaus R, Herzer A, Tebbe U. Left atrial thrombi and spontaneous echo contrast in patients with atrial fibrillation : Systematic analysis of a single-center experience. Herz 2016; 41:706-714. [PMID: 27100878 DOI: 10.1007/s00059-016-4423-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2015] [Revised: 01/30/2016] [Accepted: 02/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atrial fibrillation is associated with a high risk for thromboembolic events. Thrombi in the left atrial appendage and spontaneous echo contrast (SEC) correlate positively with this embolic risk. We studied the laboratory, echocardiographic, and epidemiologic parameters that could predict left atrial thrombi and the intensity of the SEC. PATIENTS AND METHODS Between September 2013 and June 2015 we included 372 patients with atrial fibrillation before planned electrical cardioversion (transesophageal-guided strategy) in this study. After assessing the risk of stroke and bleeding (CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores), we measured the concentration of the D-dimer and B-type natriuretic peptide at the time of the transesophageal echocardiography as well as the left atrial volume and the ejection fraction during transthoracic echocardiography. RESULTS The ejection fraction and the CHA2DS2-VASc score were identified as independent predictors of both left atrial thrombi and SEC, whereas the left atrial volume could only predict the intensity of SEC. In contrast to the results of other studies, the biomarkers in this study failed to predict the outcome. CONCLUSION Only the echocardiographic and epidemiologic parameters were predictors of left atrial thrombi and SEC intensity, while the studied biomarkers had no predictive power. Using clinical data and transthoracic echocardiography, we can change the therapeutic strategy in high-risk patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- A G Bejinariu
- Clinic for Cardiology, Angiology and Intensive Care, Klinikum Lippe Detmold, Röntgenstr. 18, 32756, Detmold, Germany.
| | - D U Härtel
- Clinic for Cardiology, Angiology and Intensive Care, Klinikum Lippe Detmold, Röntgenstr. 18, 32756, Detmold, Germany
| | - J Brockmeier
- Clinic for Cardiology, Angiology and Intensive Care, Klinikum Lippe Detmold, Röntgenstr. 18, 32756, Detmold, Germany
| | - R Oeckinghaus
- Clinic for Cardiology, Angiology and Intensive Care, Klinikum Lippe Detmold, Röntgenstr. 18, 32756, Detmold, Germany
| | - A Herzer
- Clinic for Cardiology, Angiology and Intensive Care, Klinikum Lippe Detmold, Röntgenstr. 18, 32756, Detmold, Germany
| | - U Tebbe
- Clinic for Cardiology, Angiology and Intensive Care, Klinikum Lippe Detmold, Röntgenstr. 18, 32756, Detmold, Germany
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Yingchoncharoen T, Jha S, Burchill LJ, Klein AL. Transesophageal Echocardiography in Atrial Fibrillation. Card Electrophysiol Clin 2016; 6:43-59. [PMID: 27063820 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccep.2013.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) plays an important role in atrial fibrillation (AF), mainly to detect the presence of left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombus. It is useful in direct current cardioversion (DCC) guidance and for AF ablation and LAA occlusion. With the increasing number of patients affected by AF, the use of TEE will grow and become an important screening modality for LAA thrombus. Future direction includes broader multi-institutional use; further tools to risk stratify patients; and the use of a new spectrum of oral anticoagulants and their cost-effectiveness in patients with AF undergoing DCC, AF ablation, and LAA occlusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teerapat Yingchoncharoen
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Desk J1-5, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Saurabh Jha
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Desk J1-5, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Luke J Burchill
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Desk J1-5, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Allan L Klein
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Desk J1-5, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.
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Islam AM, Salam MA, Sayeed MZ, Kibria MG. Spontaneous echo contrast masking thrombus in giant left atrium of mitral stenosis-a dilemma in clinical diagnosis. Pak J Med Sci 2015; 31:1283-5. [PMID: 26649032 PMCID: PMC4641301 DOI: 10.12669/pjms.315.7602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Spontaneous echo contrast (SEC) and thrombus in enlarged left atrium (LA) are common in mitral valvular disease (MVD) and SEC is considered to be a prethrombotic condition. Reliable exclusion of LA thrombus is important before any definitive curative attempts like percutaneous transluminal mitral commissurotomy (PTMC), closed mitral commissurotomy (CMC) or innovative therapies like pulmonary vein isolation and percutaneous closure of the LA appendage. Echocardiography, particularly the transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is considered to be the gold standard for the diagnosis and to exclude LA thrombus. However, LA thrombus may remain rarely undetected even by TEE potentially making the interventions a risky job. We present a case of mitral stenosis (MS) with giant LA where profuse, dense SEC masked the underlying thrombus in the LA cavity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akm Monwarul Islam
- AKM Monwarul Islam, MD, FRCP. Assistant Professor, Department of Cardiology, Jessore Medical College, Jessore 7400, Bangladesh
| | - Md Abdus Salam
- Md. Abdus Salam, PhD, FRCP. Associate Professor, Department of Microbiology, Rajshahi Medical College, Rajshahi-6000, Bangladesh
| | - Md Zahidus Sayeed
- Md. Zahidus Sayeed, MD. Consultant Cardiologist, Department of Cardiology, Rajshahi Medical College, Rajshahi, Bangladesh
| | - Md Golam Kibria
- Md. Golam Kibria, MS. Associate Professor, Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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2014 Oman Heart Association protocol for the management of acute atrial fibrillation. Crit Pathw Cardiol 2015; 13:117-27. [PMID: 25062397 DOI: 10.1097/hpc.0000000000000015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Although atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia, there is variation in practice with regard to the management of acute AF among the hospitals and even within the same hospital in Oman. This variation likely reflects a lack of high-quality evidence. Standard guidelines and textbooks do not offer clear evidence-based direction for physicians to guide the management of acute AF. Particularly controversial is the issue of using rhythm control or rate control. This stimulated Oman Heart Association (OHA) to issue a simplified protocol for the management of acute AF to be applied by the entire cardiac caregivers all over the country. The priorities for acute management of AF include stabilizing the patient's hemodynamic status, symptom control, treatment of the underlying and precipitating cause, and more importantly protecting the brain.
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Aljaroudi WA, Saliba WS, Wazni OM, Jaber WA. Role of cardiac computed tomography and cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging in guiding management and treatment of patients with atrial fibrillation: state of the art review. J Nucl Cardiol 2013; 20:426-42. [PMID: 23400559 DOI: 10.1007/s12350-013-9689-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2012] [Accepted: 01/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia in clinical practice and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. In view of an aging population, the prevalence and incidence of AF are on the rise and are expected to double in the coming decades, posing a huge economic burden on already strained resources. New innovative therapies such as pulmonary vein isolation and percutaneous closure of the left atrial appendage have emerged. The current applications of such therapies would not have been possible without the pivotal role of multimodality cardiovascular imaging. The role of echocardiography in guiding therapy has been extensively reviewed. However, there are new data in support of other complementary imaging modalities, mainly cardiac computed tomography and cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging, which will be the focus of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wael A Aljaroudi
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon.
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Abstract
Among geriatric patients, atrial fibrillation is the most common cardiac arrhythmia. In patients over 80 years of age, the prevalence rises to approximately 10%. Atrial fibrillation is associated with serious health implications, including a 2-fold increase in mortality risk and a 5-fold increase in stroke risk. In contrast to these facts, the current guidelines on the management of atrial fibrillation of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) contain only a short paragraph on these patients. Many relevant clinical aspects go without any comment. Thus, the purpose of our paper is to discuss those special needs of geriatric patients and their physicians which are not mentioned in the guidelines of the ESC. In our review, we discuss rhythm versus rate control, oral anticoagulation, outcome, prevention, falls, adherence, polypharmacy, dementia, nursing home patients, frailty, and geriatric assessment in consideration of geriatric patients. An extended search of the literature on Pubmed served as the basis for this review. Individual aspects of each geriatric patient should be considered when managing these complex patients; however, the complexity of each case must not lead to an individualized therapy that is not in accordance with current guidelines and the literature. A large number of papers which help us to answer most of the clinical questions regarding the management of trial fibrillation in geriatric patients have already been published.
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