Measurement of left atrial appendage size by transesophageal echocardiography.
Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is the most common imaging method for evaluating left atrial morphology. Recent advances in 64-slice multidetector computed tomography (64-MDCT) allow accurate measurement of left atrial appendage (LAA) volume. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of LAA sizing by TEE in comparison with 64-MDCT in patients with atrial fibrillation. Electrocardiogram-gated 64-MDCT and TEE were performed within 2 days in 18 consecutive patients (63 ± 9 years old, 12 males, 5 paroxysmal atrial fibrillation) with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. LAA area and LAA volume were measured at end-systole by TEE and 64-MDCT, respectively. The largest LAA area was measured on TEE image. Five patients were in sinus rhythm during examinations. In all patients, LAA was clearly visualized; the largest area of LAA was 9.3 ± 3.9 mm(2) and the LAA volume was 21.6 ± 7.5 ml. A significant correlation between LAA area and LAA volume was observed (p = 0.0003, r = 0.75). TEE allows a detailed evaluation of the LAA structure by two-dimensional imaging. LAA size could be evaluated by TEE despite its morphological complexity, i.e., sac-like or multilobed structure.
Department of Cardiology, National Hospital Organization Takamatsu Medical Center, 8 Otsu, Shinden, Takamatsu, Kagawa, 761-0193, Japan.
Kazuko
K
Yoshimoto
Department of Cardiology, National Hospital Organization Takamatsu Medical Center, 8 Otsu, Shinden, Takamatsu, Kagawa, 761-0193, Japan. mizushik@takamatu.hosp.go.jp.
Katsufumi
K
Mizushige
Department of Cardiology, National Hospital Organization Takamatsu Medical Center, 8 Otsu, Shinden, Takamatsu, Kagawa, 761-0193, Japan.
Xie
X
Lu
Department of Cardiology, National Hospital Organization Takamatsu Medical Center, 8 Otsu, Shinden, Takamatsu, Kagawa, 761-0193, Japan.
Teppei
T
Tsuji
Department of Cardiology, National Hospital Organization Takamatsu Medical Center, 8 Otsu, Shinden, Takamatsu, Kagawa, 761-0193, Japan.
Yasuo
Y
Yamaguchi
Department of Cardiology, National Hospital Organization Takamatsu Medical Center, 8 Otsu, Shinden, Takamatsu, Kagawa, 761-0193, Japan.
Tomohiro
T
Kurozumi
Department of Cardiology, National Hospital Organization Takamatsu Medical Center, 8 Otsu, Shinden, Takamatsu, Kagawa, 761-0193, Japan.
Atsushi
A
Ueki
Left atrial appendage; Multidetector computed tomography; Transesophageal echocardiography