A three-year longitudinal study of the relation between left atrial diameter remodeling and atrial fibrillation ablation outcome

Background The long-term prognostic influence of left atrial diameter （LAD） remodeling on the status of post-radiofrequency catheter ablation （RI CA） atrial fibrillation （AF） is unclear. This study employed a two-stage model from 3-year echocardiographic data to ascertain whether the two-stage model predicts RFCA outcome more favorably than models using the baseline LAD. Methods Data were retrospectively collected from 263 consecutive patients with drug-refractory AF undergoing RFCA. Regular echocardiographic measurements of LAD were performed at baseline, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months and then every 6 months after RFCA. Sex, age, type of AF, number of RFCA, and AF status were recorded. We obtain the actual （predicted） 3-year LAD using a longitudinal linear mixed model （1st stage）. Logistic regression models based on the baseline LAD （Model 1）, actual （predicted） 3-year LAD （Model 2） （2nd stage）, and observed 3-year LAD （Model 3） were constructed to predict RFCA outcome. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve （AUC） were used to assess the performance of models. Results The lowess smoothed curve indicated that the LAD declined over the first three months and remained stable up to 36 months after RFCA. The degree of LAD reduction was significantly influenced by the baseline LAD. Non-paroxysmal AF, large LAD and female gender were significant predictors of AF recurrence. Model 2 had the largest AUC among the three models. Conclusions This longitudinal study-based two-stage model outperforms the original logistic model using the baseline LAD. Non-paroxysmal AF, larger LAD and female gender are significant predictors of RFCA failure.

Left atrial diameter and atrial fibrillation,but not elevated NT-proBNP,predict the development of pulmonary hypertension in patients with HFpEF

Background The determinants of pulmonary hypertension(PH)due to heart failure with preserved ejection fraction(HFpEF)have been poorly investigated in patients with cardiovascular diseases(CVD).Methods From July 12017 to March 312019,a total of 149 consecutive HFp EF patients hospitalized with CVD were enrolled in this prospective cross-sectional study.A systolic pulmonary artery pressure(PASP)>35 mm Hg estimated by echocardiography was defined as PH-HFp EF.Logistic regression was performed to establish predictors of PH in HFpEF patients.Results Overall,the mean age of participants was 72±11 years,and 74(49.7%)patients were females.A total of 59(39.6%)patients were diagnosed with PH-HFpEF by echocardiography.The left atrial diameter(LAD)was related to the ratio of the transmitral flow velocities/mitral annulus tissue velocities in early diastole(E/E’)and the left ventricular diameter in systole(LVDs).N-Terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP)was not found to be associated with LAD and impaired diastolic or systolic function of the left ventricle.Multivariable logistic regression showed that atrial fibrillation(AF)increased the risk of PH-HFpEF incidence 3.46-fold with a 95%confidence interval(CI)of 1.44–8.32,P=0.005.Meanwhile,LAD≥45 mm resulted in a 3.43-fold increased risk,95%CI:1.51–7.75,P=0.003.However,the significance levels of NT-proBNP,age and LVEF were underpowered in the regression model.Two variables,AF and LAD≥45 mm,predicted the PH-HFpEF incidence(C-statistic=0.773,95%CI:0.695–0.852,P<0.001).Conclusions Two parameters associated with electrical and anatomical remodelling of the left atrium were related to the incidence of PH in HFpEF patients with CVD.

Prognostic value of the echocardiographic right/left ventricular end-diastolic diameter ratio in patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension

Background Previous studies have shown that an echocardiographic right/left ventricular end-diastolic diameter ratio(RV/LV ratio)≥0.9 is an independent predictor of poor prognosis in patients with acute pulmonary embolism. The prognostic value of the RV/LV ratio in patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension(IPAH) is still unknown. Methods We retrospectively enrolled 95 consecutive patients with newly diagnosed IPAH and 16 of them were reevaluated by echocardiography at 3-12 months following targeted therapy.Follow-up data were obtained by telephone interviews and review of the patients’ records.Results The RV/LV ratio was in parallel with the severity of World Health Orgnization(WHO) functional class and mean right atrial pressure.The RV/LV ratio was positively correlated with total pulmonary resistance(P P P 2 saturation(P P = 0.001),weight and absence of targeted therapy were independent predictors of death.No significant changes in the RV/LV ratio before and after targeted therapy were observed. A baseline RV/LV ratio≥0.84 or a further increase in the RV/LV ratio during targeted therapy indicated a poor prognosis. Conclusions The RV/LV ratio helps to assess the severity of IPAH and serves as an independent predictor of prognosis in patients with IPAH.

Calcific left atrium:A rare consequence of endocarditis

Usually, cardiac calcifications are observed in aortic and mitral valves, atrio-ventricular plane, mitral annulus, coronary arteries, pericaridium(usually causing constrictive pericarditis) and cardiac masses. Calcifications of atrial walls are unusual findings that can be identified only using imaging with high spatial resolution, such as cardiac magnetic resonance and computed tomography. We report a case of a 43-year-old patient with no history of heart disease that underwent cardiac evaluation for mild dyspnoea. The echocardiogram showed a calcific aortic valve and a hyper-echogenic lesion located in atrio-ventricular plane. The patient was submitted to cardiac magnetic resonance and to computed tomography imaging to better characterize the localization of mass. The clinical features and location of calcified lesion suggest an infective aetiology causing an endocarditis involving the aortic valve, atrioventricular plane and left atrium. Although we haven't data to support a definite and clear diagnosis, the clinical features and location of the calcified lesion suggest an infective aetiology causing an endocarditis involving the aortic valve, atrio-ventricular plane and left atrium. The patient was followed for 12 mo both clinically and by electrocardiogram and echocardiography without worsening of clinical, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic data. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography are ideal methods for identifying and following over time patients with calcific degeneration in the heart.

Atrium of stone:A case of confined left atrial calcification without hemodynamic compromise

Dystrophic cardiac calcification is often associated with conditions causing systemic inflammation and when present,is usually extensive,often encompassing multiple cardiac chambers and valves.We present an unusual case of dystrophic left atrial calcification in the setting of end stage renal disease on hemodialysis diagnosed by echocardiography and computed tomography.Significant calcium deposition is confined within the walls of the left atrium with no involvement of the mitral valve,and no hemodynamic effects.

NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF ETHANOL ON ISOLATED GUINEA PIG LEFT ATRIUM AND PAPILLARY MUSCLES

Objective To investigate the effects of ethanol on physiological characteristics of the isolated guinea pig left atrium and papillary muscles.Methods The effects of ethanol on contractility, post-rest potentiation and positive staircase phenomenon were observed in isolated left atrium and papillary muscles of guinea pig.Results Ethanol(50.0,100.0,200.0mmol·L -1)prominently inhibited the contraction of papillary muscles. Ethanol(12.5,25.0,50.0,100.0,200.0mmol·L -1) inhibited the contraction of left atrium, and markedly decreased the post-rest potentiation of myocardial contractility in left atrium. High concentration of ethanol(100,200mmol·L -1) depressed the positive staircase phenomenon of isolated guinea pig left atrium.Conclusion These results suggest that ethanol induces inhibitory effects of the contractility, post-rest potentiation, positive staircase phenomenon of left atrium. The mechanism by which ethanol induces the negative inotropic effects may be related to decrease the amount of calcium released from the intracellular stores.

Double Compression of Left Atrium and Pulmonary Artery by a Huge Descending Aortic Aneurysm with Intramural Hematoma Mimicking Pulmonary Embolism: A Case Report

Hemodynamic instability secondary to left atrial (LA) compression by an aortic aneurysm is a rare entity. We report?the case of a 43-year old woman with no previous diagnosis of congestive heart failure who was admitted for an initial diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) based on shortness of breath, hypotension and D-Dimers?elevation. The electrocardiogram and blood counts were within normal limits. The chest X-ray revealed widening of the mediastinum. Transthoracic echocardiography demonstrated LA compression by a large descending thoracic aortic aneurysm. Left and right ventricle systolic functions were preserved. Chest angiography showed LA and left pulmonary artery (LPA) compression by a descending aortic aneurysm and an intramural hematoma with no evidence of PE evidence. Emergency surgery could not be done because of her financial status. She was treated medically and was discharged 1?week later with significant improvement. However she remained hypotensive.

Device closure of fistula from left lower pulmonary artery to left atrium using a vascular plug:A case report

BACKGROUND Pulmonary artery-to-left atrial fistula is a variant of pulmonary arteriovenous fistula and is a developmental anomaly.Delayed presentation,cyanosis and effort intolerance are some of the important features.The diagnosis is confirmed by computed tomography or pulmonary artery angiography.Catheter-based closure is preferred to surgery.CASE SUMMARY Left pulmonary artery-to-left atrial fistula is rare.A 40-year-old male presented with effort intolerance,central cyanosis,and recurrent seizures.He had a large and highly tortuous left pulmonary artery-to-left atrial fistula associated with a large aneurysmal sac in the course.Catheter-based closure was performed using a vascular plug.CONCLUSION Left pulmonary artery-to-left atrial fistula is relatively uncommon compared to right pulmonary artery-to-left atrial fistula.Percutaneous closure by either a transeptal technique or guide wire insertion into the pulmonary vein through the pulmonary artery is preferred.The need for an arteriovenous loop depends on the tortuosity of the course of the fistula and the size of the device to be implanted because a larger device needs a larger sheath,necessitating firm guide wire support to facilitate negotiation of the stiff combination of the delivery sheath and dilator.

Rheumatic Giant Left Atrium—An Overview

Aim: To present the aneurysmal dilatation of left atrium due to rheumatic mitral valve disease and its clinical consequences such as arrhythmic, thromboembolic and compressive manifestations. Introduction: Extreme enlargement of left atrium, usually referred to as giant, gigantic or aneurysmal dilatation is an uncommon finding with a reported incidence of 0.3% in rheumatic heart disease. It is an important clinical risk identifier to predict the outcome of cardiovascular disease. Case reports: Aneurysmal left atrium correlating with the length of pure mitral regurgitation jet in a 18-year-old girl, posterior mitral leaflet prolapse with regurgitation jet swirling around the entire interatrial septum in a 37-year-old male, Giant left atrium in mixed mitral valve disease in a 37-year-old female and a thrombosed giant left atrium resembling as “coconut” in a 50-year-old female were reported. Conclusion: Giant left atrium may be misinterpreted as right-sided pleural effusion, pericardial effusion and mediastinal tumor on X-ray chest and so echocardiographic evaluation is mandatory to exclude the aneurysmal left atrium in such conditions.

Resection of Lung Cancer with Left Atrium Extension via the Pulmonary Vein: Case Report

A 49-year-old man had an abnormal shadow on chest X-ray. Enhanced chest computed tomography (CT) revealed an 8-cm diameter right lung mass invading the right chest wall, with a tumor thrombus extending from the superior pulmonary vein into the left atrium. Transesophageal echocardiography confirmed that the tumor adjoined the side wall of the atrium. Endobronchial and CT-guided needle biopsy demonstrated a low-grade carcinoma or small cell carcinoma. Operative findings through left atriotomy under cardiopulmonary bypass showed no tumor invasion of the atrium wall, but protrusion through the pulmonary vein. Frozen sections revealed a non-small cell carcinoma. We performed right upper lobectomy with parietal pleura and mediastinal lymph node dissection after detachment of cardiopulmonary bypass. Pathological examination demonstrated a large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma p-T4N0M0, stage IIIA. The patient recovered without postoperative complications and tolerated two cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy. He was doing well without symptoms of recurrence 42 months after surgery.

Left atrium veno-arterial extra corporeal membrane oxygenation as temporary mechanical support for cardiogenic shock:A case report

BACKGROUND Veno-arterial extra corporeal membrane oxygenation(VA-ECMO)support is commonly complicated with left ventricle(LV)distension in patients with cardiogenic shock.We resolved this problem by transeptally converting VAECMO to left atrium veno-arterial(LAVA)-ECMO that functioned as a temporary paracorporeal left ventricular assist device to resolve LV distension.In our case LAVA-ECMO was also functioning as a bridge-to-transplant device,a technique that has been scarcely reported in the literature.CASE SUMMARY A 65 year-old man suffered from acute myocardial injury that required percutaneous stents.Less than two weeks later,noncompliance to antiplatelet therapy led to stent thrombosis,cardiogenic shock,and cardiac arrest.Femorofemoral VA-ECMO support was started,and the patient underwent a second coronary angiography with re-stenting and intra-aortic balloon pump placement.The VA-ECMO support was complicated by left ventricular distension which we resolved via LAVA-ECMO.Unfortunately,episodes of bleeding and sepsis complicated the clinical picture and the patient passed away 27 d after initiating VA-ECMO.CONCLUSION This clinical case demonstrates that LAVA-ECMO is a viable strategy to unload the LV without another invasive percutaneous or surgical procedure.We also demonstrate that LAVA-ECMO can also be weaned to a left ventricular assist device system.A benefit of this technique is that the procedure is potentially reversible,should the patient require VA-ECMO support again.A transeptal LV venting approach like LAVA-ECMO may be indicated over ImpellaTM in cases where less LV unloading is required and where a restrictive myocardium could cause LV suctioning.Left ventricular over-distention is a well-known complication of peripheral VA-ECMO in cardiogenic shock and LAVA ECMO through transeptal cannulation offers a novel and safe approach for treating LV overloading,without the need of an additional percutaneous access.

Left Atrium Emboligenic Myxoma: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Introduction: Cardiac myxomas represent the most frequent forms of primary tumors of the heart. The most frequent location is the interatrial septum. We report the clinical case of a myxoma of the left atrium and discuss its epidemiological and therapeutic aspects through a review of the literature. Observation: This was a 41-year-old female patient who presented with sudden rotational dizziness associated with vomiting. MRI revealed multiple punctiform bilateral supra and subtentorial strokes of different ages, recent and semi-recent, suggesting an embologenic etiology. Transesophageal echocardiography found a large pedunculated, homogeneous, avascular tumor hanging from the interatrial septum. The patient is operated on urgently under cardiopulmonary bypass for resection of a large tumor located in the left atrium. The pathological examination concluded with the diagnosis of myxoma of the left atrium. The postoperative follow-up was straightforward and the patient was discharged from the hospital via home hospitalization. Conclusion: The diagnosis of cardiac myxomas is suspected in the presence of symptoms associated with echocardiographic images of intracardiac masses and confirmed by histological study. Embolic accidents are one of the formidable complications of myxomas. Surgical management is urgent, especially in the presence of predictive morphological features of embolism on echocardiography.

Asymptomatic post-rheumatic giant left atrium

A 78-year-old asymptomatic woman was referred to our clinic for a second opinion regarding indication for mitral valve surgery. An echocardiogram showed a moderate mitral stenosis with a concomitant severe regurgitation. The most striking feature, however, was a giant left atrium with a parasternal anteroposterior diameter of 79 mm and a left atrial volume index of 364 m L/m2. There are various echocardiographic definitions of a giant left atrium, which are mainly based on measurements of the anteroposterior diameter of the left atrium using M-mode in the parasternal long axis view. Since the commonly accepted method for echocardiographic evaluation of left atrial size is left atrial volume index, we propose a cut-off value of 140 m L/m2 for the definition of a "giant left atrium".

Left atrial enlargement and non-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation as risk factors for left atrial thrombus/spontaneous Echo contrast in patients with atrial fibrillation and low CHA2DS2-VASc score

Objective To determine the risk factors for thromboembolism in lower risk patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation(AF)and low CHA2DS2-VASc scores,which remain undefined.Methods We retrospectively analyzed the baseline clinical characteristics,routine laboratory parameters,and echocardiographic measurements of 705 patients(71.1%male;mean age:52.10±9.64 years)with low CHA2DS2-VASc score(0 or 1;1 point for female sex)out of 1346 consecutive patients with non-valvular AF who underwent transesophageal echocardiography(TEE)at Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute between January 2013 and December 2015.Results Patients with left atrial thrombus(LAT)or spontaneous echo contrast(SEC)on TEE(24/705,4%)showed a higher incidence rate of vascular disease(54.2%vs.32.9%,P=0.045)and non-paroxysmal AF(79.2%vs.29.4%,P<0.001),larger left atrial diameter(43.08±4.59 vs.36.02±5.53 mm,P<0.001),and lower left ventricular ejection fraction(58.23±8.82%vs.64.15±7.14%,P<0.001)than those without.Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified left atrial diameter[odds ratio(OR)=1.171,95%confidence interval(CI):1.084–1.265,P<0.001]and non-paroxysmal AF(OR=3.766,95%CI:1.282–11.061,P=0.016)as independent risk factors for LAT/SEC.In ROC curve analysis,a left atrial dimeter cutoff of 37.5 mm yielded 95.0%sensitivity and 62.7%specificity(AUC:0.847,P<0.0001,95%CI:0.793–0.914).Conclusion In patients with non-valvular AF with low CHA2DS2-VASc score,the presence of LAT or SEC was associated with left atrial enlargement,which had moderate predictive value,and non-paroxysmal AF.

Shortness of breath in clinical practice: A case for left atrial function and exercise stress testing for a comprehensive diastolic heart failure workup

The symptom cluster of shortness of breath(SOB) contributes significantly to the outpatient workload of cardiology services. The workup of these patients includes blood chemistry and biomarkers, imaging and functional testing of the heart and lungs. A diagnosis of diastolic heart failure is inferred through the exclusion of systolic abnormalities, a normal pulmonary function test and normal hemoglobin, coupled with diastolic abnormalities on echocardiography. Differentiating confounders such as obesity or deconditioning in a patient with diastolic abnormalities is difficult. While the most recent guidelines provide more avenues for diagnosis, such as incorporating the left atrial size, little emphasis is given to understanding left atrial function, which contributes to at least 25% of diastolic left ventricular filling; additionally, exercise stress testing to elicit symptoms and test the dynamics of diastolic parameters, especially when access to the "gold standard" invasive tests is lacking, presents clinical translational gaps. It is thus important in diastolic heart failure work up to understand left atrial mechanics and the role of exercise testing to build a comprehensive argument for the diagnosis of diastolic heart failure in a patient presenting with SOB.

Predictive value of serum uric acid on left atrial spontaneous echo contrast in non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients

Objectives To investigate the relationship between serum uric acid （SUA） and left atrial spontaneous echo contrast （LA-SEC） in non-valvular atrial fibrillation （AF） patients. Methods We retrospectively screened 1,476 consecutive hospitalized patients with AF who underwent transesophageal echocardiography prior to radiofrequency catheter ablation, left atrial appendage closure and electric cardiover- sion at Guangdong General Hospital. Data on the clinical baseline characteristics of all patients were collected from electronic medical re- cords and analyzed. Results After exclusion of patients with left atrial thrombus, 1,354 patients entered into present study and 57 were LA-SEC. The mean female SUA level （380.88 ± 94.35 μmol/L vs. 323.37 ± 72.19μmol/L, P 〈 0.001） and male SUA level （416.97 ± 98.87 μmol/L vs. 367.88 ＋ 68.50 μmol/L, P = 0.008） were both significantly higher in patients with LA-SEC than in the controls. The mean left atrial dimension （41.32 ± 5.12 mm vs. 36.12 ± 5.66 mm, P 〈 0.001） was markedly larger in patients with LA-SEC. In multivariate regression analysis, SUA level was an independent risk factor for LA-SEC （OR： 1.008, P 〈 0.001）. In receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the corresponding area under the curve for SUA predicting LA-SEC in female and male were 0.670 and 0.657, respectively. SUA level is significantly higher in non-valvular AF patients with LA-SEC. Conclusion SUA level is an independent risk factor and has a moderate predictive value for LA-SEC among non-valvular AF patients in Southern China.

Left atrial physiology and pathophysiology:Role of deformation imaging

The left atrium(LA) acts as a modulator of left ventricular(LV) filling. Although there is considerable evidence to support the use of LA maximum and minimum volumes for disease prediction,theoretical considerations and a growing body of literature suggest to focus on the quantification of the three basic LA functions:(1) Reservoir function:collection of pulmonary venous return during LV systole;(2) Conduit function:passage of blood to the left ventricle during early LV diastole; and(3) Contractile booster pump function(augmentation of ventricular filling during late LV diastole. Tremendous advances in our ability to non-invasively characterize all three elements of atrial function include speckle tracking echocardiography(STE),and more recently cardiovascular magnetic resonance myocardial feature tracking(CMR-FT). Corresponding imaging biomarkers are increasingly recognized to have incremental roles in determining prognosis and risk stratification in cardiac dysfunction of different origins. The current editorial introduces the role of STE and CMR-FT for the functional assessment of LA deformation as determined by strain and strain rate imaging and provides an outlook of how this exciting field may develop in the future.

Clinical Significance of Left Atrial Anatomic Abnormalities Identified by Cardiac Computed Tomography

Purpose: The clinical significance of newly identified left atrial anatomic abnormalities (LAAA)— accessory appendages, diverticula, septal pouches—by multidetector CT (MDCT) remains unclear. Similar anatomical outpouchings, i.e., the left atrial appendage, have been associated with cardioembolisms and arrhythmia. To test the hypothesis that LAAA are also associated with increased risk of these events, we performed a retrospective analysis to examine the association of LAAA in patients undergoing CT with embolic events and arrhythmia. Methods: 242 patients (mean age 56 SD 12 years, 41% female) were selected who had CT coronary angiography performed with 64-row MDCT between 2007 and 2012 if complete clinical history records were available. CT images were independently reviewed for the presence of LAAA. Association of cerebrovascular accident (CVA) or transient ischemic attack (TIA), atrial fibrillation, and palpitations to LAAA was calculated using odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) and Fisher’s exact test. Results: After adjusting for age, sex, hypertension, dyslipidemia and diabetes via multiple logistic regression, patients with accessory appendages are more likely to have reported palpitations (OR: 1.80;CI: 1.03 - 3.16). Patients with diverticula and septal pouches are significantly older than those without these abnormalities (p = 0.01 and p = 0.02, respectively). Septal pouches are associated with diabetes (OR: 2.29;95%CI: 1.15 - 4.54). Conclusions: Accessory left atrial appendages are associated with palpitations. Patients with septal pouches and diverticula are significantly older than those patients without these anatomic abnormalities, suggesting age dependency of these findings. None of these anatomic abnormalities were associated with thromboembolic events after adjustment for potentially confounding comorbidities.

Left Atrial Myxoma—A Case Report

Atrial myxomas are the most common primary cardiac tumors. More than 90% are solitary. A large myxoma occupying in the left atrium producing mitral stenosis and regurgitation was demonstrated by 2D echocardiographic images in this case. It remained asymptomatic for a long period with a survival up to the age of 75 years in an elderly female.

Left Atrial Myxoma in a Woman with Postpartum Heart Failure: The Culprit or an Incidental Bystander

Myxoma is a benign and the most frequent tumor of the heart, accounting for approximately 30% of all primary cardiac tumors. Seventy five percent of atrial myxomas are in the left atrium. We present a case of a 20-year-old house wife presenting with biventricular heart failure and chest infection five months after her last child birth. Transthoracic echocardiography showed a mobile left atrial echogenic mass measuring 4.6 × 4.0 cm attached to the interatrial septum. Left ventricular systolic function was mildly reduced (EF 48%) with mitral and tricuspid incompetence. A diagnosis of left atrial myxoma with biventricular heart failure with chest infection was made. She improved on antibiotics and treatment of heart failure, and referred to Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital for further management.