Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 22, 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

2.2K

Left atrial thrombi and spontaneous echo contrast in patients with atrial fibrillation : Systematic analysis of

A G Bejinariu1, D U Härtel2, J Brockmeier2

  • 1Clinic for Cardiology, Angiology and Intensive Care, Klinikum Lippe Detmold, Röntgenstr. 18, 32756, Detmold, Germany. alexandru.bejinariu@klinikum-lippe.de.

Herz
|April 22, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Echocardiographic and epidemiologic factors, not biomarkers, predict left atrial thrombi and spontaneous echo contrast in atrial fibrillation patients. This finding can guide therapeutic strategies for high-risk individuals.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Medical Diagnostics

Background:

  • Atrial fibrillation (AF) significantly increases the risk of thromboembolic events.
  • Left atrial appendage thrombi and spontaneous echo contrast (SEC) in AF patients correlate with embolic risk.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify predictors of left atrial thrombi and SEC intensity in patients with atrial fibrillation.
  • To evaluate the role of laboratory biomarkers, echocardiographic, and epidemiologic parameters in predicting these outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • A study involving 372 patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing electrical cardioversion.
  • Assessment of CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores, D-dimer, B-type natriuretic peptide, left atrial volume, and ejection fraction.
  • Transesophageal echocardiography-guided strategy was employed.

Main Results:

  • Left ventricular ejection fraction and CHA2DS2-VASc score independently predicted left atrial thrombi and SEC intensity.
  • Left atrial volume predicted SEC intensity but not thrombi.
  • Biomarkers (D-dimer, B-type natriuretic peptide) did not show predictive power for thrombi or SEC.

Conclusions:

  • Echocardiographic parameters (ejection fraction, left atrial volume) and epidemiologic scores (CHA2DS2-VASc) are key predictors of left atrial thrombi and SEC.
  • Studied laboratory biomarkers lack predictive value in this context.
  • Clinical data and transthoracic echocardiography can inform therapeutic strategy adjustments in high-risk AF patients.
Abstract

Keywords:
Atrial fibrillationCardioversionLeft atriumThrombusTransesophageal echocardiography

More Related Videos

Echocardiographic Evaluation of Atrial Communications before Transcatheter Closure07:41

Echocardiographic Evaluation of Atrial Communications before Transcatheter Closure

Published on: February 8, 2022

4.5K
Author Spotlight: Advancements in Intracardiac Echocardiography for Atrial Anatomy Assessment04:29

Author Spotlight: Advancements in Intracardiac Echocardiography for Atrial Anatomy Assessment

Published on: June 30, 2023

1.7K

Related Concept Videos

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System II:Types of Echocardiography01:20

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System II:Types of Echocardiography

Echocardiography plays a role in assessing cardiac health and detecting heart conditions, with various types providing critical insights for diagnosis and treatment.
Types of Echocardiography
Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE)
TTE is the most common type of echocardiogram which involves placing a transducer on the patient's chest, emitting sound waves to create heart images. TTE is invaluable for evaluating the heart's size, structure, and motion, making it particularly useful for...
829
Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:22

Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Aortic valve regurgitation (AR) occurs when the aortic valve fails to close properly, allowing blood to flow backward from the aorta into the left ventricle. This backflow can result in two distinct clinical presentations: acute and chronic AR, each characterized by its own set of symptoms and physical findings.Acute Aortic RegurgitationAcute AR presents with a sudden onset of severe symptoms. Patients typically experience profound dyspnea (shortness of breath), chest pain, and signs of left...
834
ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias01:25

ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias

Arrhythmia is a condition characterized by an irregular heart rhythm, with ECG changes that differ based on its origin and nature. The types of arrhythmias discussed below include atrial, junctional, and ventricular arrhythmias.Atrial ArrhythmiasPremature Atrial Complexes (PACs): PACs are early atrial beats caused by stress, caffeine, alcohol, electrolyte imbalances, hypoxia, hyperthyroidism, or certain medications (e.g., bronchodilators and decongestants). The ECG shows early P waves with an...
887
Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:22

Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

The key clinical manifestations of Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) include several distinct cardiac symptoms.Carditis, a hallmark of acute rheumatic fever, involves inflammation of the heart's endocardium, myocardium, and pericardium. Chronic RHD often results from recurrent episodes of carditis. Its symptoms include the following:Murmurs are caused by valvular damage, especially to the mitral and aortic valves. Mitral stenosis or regurgitation is common, with characteristic heart murmurs...
970
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...
402
Dysrhythmias V: Evaluating Dysrhythmias01:30

Dysrhythmias V: Evaluating Dysrhythmias

Dysrhythmias, also known as arrhythmias, are disturbances in the heart's rhythm that range from benign to life-threatening. A thorough evaluation is crucial for appropriate management and involves a comprehensive medical history, physical examination, and various diagnostic tests.Medical HistorySymptoms: Collect detailed information on palpitations, dizziness, syncope, chest pain, and fatigue. Note their onset, frequency, and triggers.Previous Cardiac Issues: Document any history of heart...
470