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Updated: Jun 14, 2026
Noninvasive Determination of Vortex Formation Time Using Transesophageal Echocardiography During Cardiac Surgery
Published on: November 28, 2018
Low wall velocity of left atrial appendage measured by trans-thoracic echocardiography predicts thrombus formation
Harutoshi Tamura1, Tetsu Watanabe, Osamu Hirono
1Department of Cardiology, Pulmonology, and Nephrology, Yamagata University School of Medicine, Yamagata, Japan.
Background:
Atrial fibrillation is associated with ischemic stroke because of thrombi that form within the left atrial appendage (LAA). The aim of this study was to develop a new parameter for LAA function that is easily performed using transthoracic echocardiography (TTE).
Methods:
TTE and transesophageal echocardiography were performed in 106 patients with stroke. LAA wall motion velocity (TTE-LAWV) was measured using Doppler tissue imaging at the LAA tip.
Results:
TTE-LAWV was significantly lower in patients with atrial fibrillation and LAA thrombus than in those with atrial fibrillation and no LAA thrombus and in sinus rhythm (7.5 +/- 1.9 vs 10.0 +/- 3.4 and 13.8 +/- 5.7 cm/s, respectively, P < .05). TTE-LAWV was significantly correlated with LAA emptying flow velocity (R = 0.462, P < .05). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that TTE-LAWV < 8.7 cm/s was an independent predictor of LAA thrombus formation (odds ratio, 9.473; 95% confidence interval, 1.172-76.55; P < .05).
Conclusion:
TTE-LAWV can noninvasively evaluate LAA dysfunction and assist in the detection of LAA thrombus.
