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Left atrial eccentricity in chronic mitral regurgitation: relation to left atrial function
Jeong-Eun Yi1, Woo Baek Chung, Jung Sun Cho
1Cardiovascular Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
European Heart Journal. Cardiovascular Imaging
|May 31, 2012
Summary
In chronic mitral regurgitation (MR), the left atrium (LA) becomes more spherical as MR severity increases. This shape change, indicating reduced LA eccentricity, is linked to volume overload and LA systolic function.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiac Imaging
- Echocardiography
Background:
- Chronic mitral regurgitation (MR) leads to significant cardiac remodeling.
- Left atrial (LA) shape and function are crucial indicators of cardiovascular health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate changes in left atrial (LA) shape in patients with chronic MR.
- To identify factors influencing these LA shape alterations.
Main Methods:
- 125 patients with chronic MR and 45 controls underwent transthoracic Doppler echocardiography.
- LA eccentricity index (LAEi) and LA volume index (LAVi) quantified LA shape and size.
- Multivariate regression and ROC analysis identified determinants of LA shape and systolic function.
Main Results:
- LAEi decreased and LAVi increased with greater MR severity (P<0.001).
- Regurgitant fraction independently determined LA eccentricity, while RF, LV mass, and diastolic dysfunction determined LA volume.
- LAEi ≤1.30 effectively identified LA systolic dysfunction (A' velocity <7 cm/s).
Conclusions:
- The left atrium (LA) becomes more spherical in chronic MR due to volume overload.
- LA eccentricity is influenced by MR severity and may reflect LA systolic function.
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