Left atrial appendage morphology: comparison of transesophageal images and postmortem casts.
BACKGROUND
Aim of the study was to compare 1) transesophageal echocardiographic (TEE) measurements of the left atrial appendage (LAA) with postmortem casts and 2) the TEE with the postmortem diagnosis of LAA thrombi.


METHODS
From the TEE images and LAA casts length, orifice, diameter and number of branches were assessed. LAA area was measured by TEE and LAA volume from the cast.


RESULTS
In 12 patients who underwent TEE and autopsy, measurements of LAA length and area correlated well with the cast volume ( r=0.6 to r=0.93). The agreement between TEE and LAA casts, concerning the number of branches, was only moderate. In one patient, a false positive diagnosis of a LAA thrombus occurred.


CONCLUSIONS
LAA size and orifice diameter can be assessed reliably by TEE. The complex LAA morphology hampers measurements of LAA length, branches, course and diagnosis of thrombi.
Stöllberger
C
C
2. Medizinische Abteilung der Krankenanstalt Rudolfstiftung, Juchgasse 25, 1030 Wien, Austria. claudia.stoellberger@chello.at
Ernst
G
G
Bonner
E
E
Finsterer
J
J
Slany
J
J
D000180:Acrylic Resins; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D020517:Atrial Appendage / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D017548:Echocardiography, Transesophageal; D004697:Endocarditis, Bacterial / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006325:Heart Atria / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; D008297:Male; D008432:Mathematical Computing; D008875:Middle Aged; D012016:Reference Values; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012770:Shock, Cardiogenic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology
D000180:Acrylic Resins; C053012:Technovit 7100