Importance of echocardiography in atrial fibrillation.
Echocardiography influences at present in decisive manner therapeutic approach to atrial fibrillation (AF). The paper discusses current knowledge regarding the role of echocardiography in routine management of cardioversion for AF and regarding the echocardiographic prediction of: 1. the thromboembolism in AF, 2. the efficiency of cardioversion for AF, 3. the maintenance of sinus rhythm after successful cardioversion for AF. The advantage of TEE-guided cardioversion is particularly emphasized.
Dubrava
J
J
Dept of Functional Diagnostics, Hospital Petrzalka, Antolska 11, SK-851 07 Bratislava, Slovakia. dubrava@npba.sk
D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy; D004452:Echocardiography; D004554:Electric Countershock; D006801:Humans; D013923:Thromboembolism / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology