title: Left atrial size and function: role in prognosis.
abstract: The author examines the ability of left atrial size and function to predict cardiovascular outcomes. Data are sufficient to recommend evaluation of left atrial volume in certain populations, and although analysis of atrial reservoir, conduit, and booster pump function trails in that regard, the gap is rapidly closing. In this state-of-the-art paper, the author reviews the methods used to assess left atrial size and function and discusses their role in predicting cardiovascular events in general and referral populations and in patients with atrial fibrillation, cardiomyopathy, ischemic heart disease, and valvular heart disease.
authors.affiliation: Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio; and the University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio. Electronic address: bdh6@po.cwru.edu.
authors.forename: Brian D
authors.initials: BD
authors.lastname: Hoit
mesh_terms: D016279:Atrial Function, Left; D006325:Heart Atria / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D009929:Organ Size; D011379:Prognosis; D014463:Ultrasonography
keywords: cardiovascular outcomes; left atrial function; left atrial volume