Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Estimating Bilateral Atrial Function by Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Feature Tracking in Patients with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
08:10

Estimating Bilateral Atrial Function by Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Feature Tracking in Patients with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: July 20, 2022

Severe mitral stenosis with atrial fibrillation--a harbinger of thromboembolism

Muhammad Tariq Farman1, Jawaid Akbar Sial, Naveedullah Khan

  • 1National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD), Karachi.

JPMA. the Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association
|June 10, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Left atrial thrombus was found in 38% of patients with severe mitral stenosis and atrial fibrillation. Larger left atrial size is a significant predictor of thrombus presence, aiding in risk assessment for these cardiac conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • Severe mitral stenosis (MS) and atrial fibrillation (AF) are significant cardiovascular conditions.
  • Left atrial thrombus formation is a known complication in patients with MS and AF.
  • Accurate detection of left atrial thrombus is crucial for stroke risk stratification.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the frequency of left atrial thrombus in patients with severe mitral stenosis and concomitant atrial fibrillation.
  • To identify predictors of left atrial thrombus in this patient population.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional descriptive study involving 100 adult patients with severe MS and AF.
  • Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) was used for initial thrombus detection.
  • Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) was employed for confirmation when TTE findings were inconclusive.

Main Results:

  • Left atrial thrombi were detected in 38% of the studied patients.
  • Thrombi were more frequently found in the left atrial appendage (32%) compared to the left atrial body (6%).
  • A larger left atrial dimension was significantly associated with the presence of left atrial thrombus (P=0.004).

Conclusions:

  • Left atrial thrombus is a common finding in patients with severe mitral stenosis and atrial fibrillation, present in 38% of cases.
  • Increased left atrial diameter is a significant predictor for the presence of left atrial thrombus.
  • These findings highlight the importance of echocardiographic assessment for thrombus detection in this high-risk group.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation28:13

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: February 26, 2013

Related Concept Videos

Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction01:22

Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction

Mitral Valve Stenosis (MVS) is a heart condition where the mitral valve narrows, impeding blood circulation from the left atrium to the left ventricle. The etiology and pathophysiology of this condition are multifaceted, leading to a cascade of cardiovascular complications.Causes of Mitral Valve StenosisRheumatic Heart Disease: It is the main cause of mitral valve stenosis, particularly in developing nations. This condition arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory illness resulting from...
Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests01:23

Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests

Mitral stenosis is a heart condition in which the mitral valve, which allows blood to flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle, becomes narrowed or stenotic. This narrowing hinders blood flow and leads to clinical symptoms requiring specific medical evaluations and management strategies. The following overview outlines the clinical symptoms, assessments, diagnostic findings, prevention methods, and treatments for mitral stenosis.Clinical ManifestationsDyspnea (shortness of breath): This...
Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management01:26

Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management

Mitral stenosis, a condition marked by the narrowing of the mitral valve, necessitates an integrated approach for effective management. This approach includes preventative measures, medical therapy, and surgical interventions to reduce symptoms and prevent complications.PreventionPrevention of mitral stenosis primarily focuses on reducing the incidence of bacterial infections, particularly streptococcal infections, which can lead to rheumatic fever and subsequent valvular damage. Timely...
Mitral Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:23

Mitral Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Mitral regurgitation (MR) is a valvular heart disorder in which the mitral valve fails to close tightly, allowing blood to leak backward into the heart. Understanding the clinical manifestations, assessment, diagnostic findings, and medical management of MR is crucial to effectively managing affected patients.Clinical Manifestations of Mitral RegurgitationMitral regurgitation can be acute or chronic, each presenting differently and requiring different approaches:1. Acute Mitral...
Mitral Regurgitation I: Introduction01:20

Mitral Regurgitation I: Introduction

Mitral regurgitation is characterized by the backward circulation of blood from the left ventricle to the left atrium during systole, a phase of the cardiac cycle when the heart contracts and pumps blood out of the chambers. This abnormal flow occurs primarily due to the dysfunction of the mitral valve or its supporting structures, which include the mitral leaflets, chordae tendineae, annulus, and papillary muscles.Etiology and Mechanisms:Primary Mitral Regurgitation: This type arises from...
Mitral Valve Prolapse I: Introduction01:27

Mitral Valve Prolapse I: Introduction

IntroductionThe mitral valve, one of the heart's four valves, regulates blood flow. These valves have flaps that open and close to direct blood properly through the heart and body. During each heartbeat, the flaps open for blood to pass through and seal shut to prevent backflow. Specifically, the mitral valve opens to allow blood flow from the heart's upper left chamber to the lower left chamber. It then closes securely as the lower left chamber contracts to pump blood to the body, preventing...