title: [Current role of echocardiography in patients with atrial fibrillation].
abstract: Atrial fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia encountered in clinical practice. Cardiologists are often called upon to manage atrial fibrillation both in the acute urgent setting for the presence of hemodynamic compromise and electively for rhythm and/or heart rate control as well as for anti-remodeling strategies. In all these cases echocardiography is generally used. In particular, different echocardiographic techniques (transthoracic, transesophageal) and modalities (two-dimensional, three-dimensional, speckle tracking) can be indicated depending on the stage of the arrhythmia management and the need for cardioversion or interventional procedures. The purpose of this review is to clarify the current role of echocardiography, including specific techniques and modalities, in the managing process of atrial fibrillation.
authors.forename: Donato
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Mele
authors.forename: Matteo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cameli
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Fiorencis
authors.forename: Maurizio
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Galderisi
authors.forename: Sabina
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gallina
authors.forename: Pasquale
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Innelli
authors.forename: Sergio
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mondillo
authors.forename: Roberta
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Montisci
authors.forename: Stefano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Nistri
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rossi
mesh_terms: D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy*; D017115:Catheter Ablation; D004452:Echocardiography; D004554:Electric Countershock; D006325:Heart Atria / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D018570:Risk Assessment; D020521:Stroke / Q000517:prevention & control; D013923:Thromboembolism / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents