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Atrial volume in cirrhosis: relationship to blood volume and plasma concentration of atrial natriuretic factor

W G Rector1, O Adair, K F Hossack

  • 1Division of Gastroenterology, Denver General Hospital, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center.

Gastroenterology
|September 1, 1990
PubMed

Insights

Cirrhosis increases blood volume and left atrial size, elevating atrial natriuretic factor. This study clarifies the relationship between these factors in liver disease patients.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Hepatology
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Cirrhosis is linked to elevated blood volume, atrial size, and atrial natriuretic factor.
  • The precise interrelationships of these factors in cirrhosis, particularly with ascites, require further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between blood volume, atrial size, and plasma atrial natriuretic factor concentration in men with alcoholic liver disease.
  • To compare these parameters in patients with and without ascites.

Main Methods:

  • Two-dimensional echocardiography was used to assess atrial size.
  • Blood volume and plasma atrial natriuretic factor levels were measured.
  • 17 men with alcoholic liver disease (7 with ascites, 10 without) were compared to normal subjects.

Main Results:

  • Patients with cirrhosis exhibited increased left atrial volume and plasma atrial natriuretic factor compared to controls.
  • Patients with ascites had higher blood volume and plasma atrial natriuretic factor than those without ascites.
  • Blood volume correlated with left atrial volume, which in turn correlated with atrial natriuretic factor levels.

Conclusions:

  • Cirrhosis is associated with interconnected increases in vascular volume, left atrial size, and plasma atrial natriuretic factor.
  • Increased blood volume likely contributes to left atrial enlargement, subsequently elevating atrial natriuretic factor.
  • These findings highlight a hemodynamic cascade in cirrhotic patients.

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