Left atrial adaptation to different overloads: is atrial enlargement always related to atrial dysfunction?

Arterial hypertension, mitral regurgitation (MR) and endurance training are risk factors for atrial fibrillation development. Our aim was to compare the LA adaptative response to different loading conditions by evaluating LA function through volumetric indices and deformation imaging.

A population of 548 subjects was enrolled: 286 endurance athletes, 225 patients with arterial hypertension, and 37 with moderate to severe MR. Participants underwent 2D echocardiography with speckle-tracking as well as 3D echocardiography. Patients with LA enlargement, defined with a 2D cut-off value of ≥34 ml/m2, were compared amongst cohorts to assess for atrial function. LA enlargement was seen in 57% (n = 311) of the cohort: in 78% (n = 224) of athletes, 25% (n = 55) of hypertensive patients, and 87% (n = 32) of patients with MR. Compared to hypertensive and MR patients, athletes were younger, less burdened by comorbidities, with better diastolic function, and higher LA reservoir and conduit function, whereas no difference was seen in contractile function. Athletes in the lowest tercile of reservoir strain (T1, <30.30%) had the highest amount of exercise per week, more LV remodeling, and higher LA minimal volume. The majority of hypertensive patients with LA enlargement belonged to the lowest tercile for LA reservoir strain. MR was associated with the largest LA maximal volumes and lowest LA reservoir and conduit strain.

The LA adapts differently to pressure and volume overload and is influenced by the amount of overload. LA enlargement may not be associated with the same degree of LA dysfunction in different at-risk populations.