Left atrial appendage morphology and cardiac function in patients with sinus rhythm

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Medical Imaging
• Echocardiography

Background:

• The left atrial appendage (LAA) is a primary source of cardiac thrombus.
• LAA morphology is linked to stroke risk in atrial fibrillation patients.
• This study investigates LAA morphology and cardiac function in sinus rhythm.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the correlation between LAA morphology and cardiac function.
• To assess cardiac function using transthoracic echocardiography in patients with sinus rhythm.
• To determine if LAA shape influences cardiac performance in the absence of arrhythmias.

Main Methods:

• 55 patients underwent cardiac CT and transthoracic echocardiography.
• LAA morphology categorized into chicken wing (CW) and non-CW types.
• Cardiac function assessed via ejection fraction, LA/LAA volumes, A' velocity, global longitudinal strain, and tissue mitral annular displacement.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in LVEF, LA, or LAA volumes between CW and non-CW groups.
• Non-CW LAA morphology was associated with lower A' velocity, global longitudinal strain, and tissue mitral annular displacement.
• Non-CW LAA morphology correlated with reduced LAS strain and lower LAA volume change during the cardiac cycle.

Conclusions:

• Impaired left atrial (LA) and LAA functions are associated with specific LAA morphologies in sinus rhythm.
• Non-CW LAA morphology may indicate reduced atrial and LAA function.
• LAA morphology is a relevant factor in assessing cardiac function even in sinus rhythm.