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Left Atrial Cardiomyopathy - A Challenging Diagnosis
Fabienne Kreimer1, Michael Gotzmann1
1University Hospital St. Josef-Hospital Bochum, Cardiology and Rhythmology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
Insights
Diagnosing left atrial cardiomyopathy (LACM) is crucial for preventing atrial fibrillation and strokes. This review proposes a diagnostic algorithm by combining various parameters to address LACM
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Left atrial cardiomyopathy (LACM) is linked to atrial fibrillation and embolic strokes.
- Accurate diagnosis of LACM is clinically significant but challenging due to its heterogeneity.
- Current diagnostic methods lack standardization, hindering precise classification and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current evidence on diagnosing LACM.
- To discuss various diagnostic parameters for LACM.
- To propose a standardized diagnostic algorithm for LACM.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of diagnostic techniques for LACM.
- Analysis of electrocardiography, echocardiography, cardiac MRI, CT, electroanatomic mapping, genetic testing, and biomarkers.
- Synthesis of data to propose a diagnostic algorithm.
Main Results:
- Multiple techniques can identify atrial dysfunction, but reliable LACM diagnosis remains difficult.
- Combining various parameters is beneficial for diagnosing LACM.
- A proposed diagnostic algorithm aims to standardize LACM assessment.
Conclusions:
- Standardized diagnostic criteria for LACM are needed for improved patient management and research.
- The proposed algorithm integrates multiple parameters for more precise LACM diagnosis.
- Further validation of the diagnostic algorithm is essential.
Abstract:
Left atrial cardiomyopathy (LACM) has been an ongoing focus of research for several years. There is evidence that LACM is responsible for atrial fibrillation and embolic strokes of undetermined sources. Therefore, the correct diagnosis of LACM is of clinical importance. Various techniques, including electrocardiography, echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, electroanatomic mapping, genetic testing, and biomarkers, can both identify and quantify structural, mechanical as well as electrical dysfunction in the atria. However, the question arises whether these techniques can reliably diagnose LACM. Because of its heterogeneity, clinical diagnosis is challenging. To date, there are no recommendations for standardized diagnosis of suspected LACM. However, standardization could help to classify LACM more precisely and derive therapeutic directions to improve individual patient management. In addition, uniform diagnostic criteria for LACM could be important for future studies. Combining several parameters and relating them seems beneficial to approach the diagnosis of LACM. This review provides an overview of the current evidence regarding the diagnosis of LACM, in which several potential parameters are discussed and, consequently, a proposal for a diagnostic algorithm is presented.
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