[Characterization of Doppler flow of the left atrial appendage and its relation to thrombi. A transesophageal echocardiographic study].
OBJECTIVE
The characteristics and clinical implications associated with Left Atrial Appendage (LAA) flow have not been clearly analyzed. The purpose of this transesophageal pulsed doppler study was to evaluate the importance of rhythm and echo doppler parameters on LAA thrombus formation.


METHODS
Prospective study.


METHODS
Patients in a follow-up transesophageal echocardiographic study at Gregorio Maranon General Hospital, Madrid.


METHODS
Through a transesophageal echocardiographic color Doppler prospective study we evaluated 44 consecutive patients.


METHODS
In each patient we measured presence of atrial fibrillation, presence of LAA thrombi and LAA doppler flow pattern parameters (peak velocity and area enclosed by the pulsed doppler filling and emptying waves).


METHODS
We identified three types of LAA doppler flow: Type I, clearly defining biphasic flow, was present only in sinus rhythm patients and not associated to LAA thrombus; Type II saw-fish active flow pattern was detected only in atrial fibrillation patients not associated also with LAA thrombus. Type III low flow pattern occurred only in atrial fibrillation patients and is associated to the majority of LAA thrombus.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings document the importance of LAA doppler factors when transesophageal echocardiography is used to study LAA thrombus formation.
García Fernandez
M A
MA
Instituto de Cardiologia, Madrid.
Azevedo
J E
JE
Moreno
M M
MM
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000175:diagnosis; D015150:Echocardiography, Doppler; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006325:Heart Atria; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015337:Multicenter Studies as Topic; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000175:diagnosis*
Caracterização do fluxo Doppler do apêndice auricular esquerdo e sua relação com trombos. Estudo ecocardiográfico transesofágico.