The relationship between function and thrombosis formation of left atrium appendage assessed by transesophageal echocardiography in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation

Objective To explore the relationship between size,shape and function of the left atrium appendage (LAA) and its thrombosis in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) to provide evidence for clinical risk assessment,prognosis evaluation and treatment guidance.Method Length,diameter,end-diastolic volume (EDV) and ejection velocity (PEV) of LAA were measured in 41 patients with AF,and thrombus in LAA was detected by TEE.Results Thrombus in LAA was detected in seven of 41 patients of AF (17%).No significant difference in size and EDV was found between the patients with and without thrombus,but there was significant difference in PEV between them (P0.01).All the patients with AF were divided into six groups according to course of AF hypertension or thrombosis.As compared to the control group,every index was statistically significant higher in all patients with AF,and there was statistically significant difference in all indices between the patients with and without hypertension (P0.05).There was significant difference in PEV and ejection fraction (EF) of the LAA between the patients with and without thrombus (P0.05).Conclusions Decreased blood velocity and changes of volume was important risk factors for thrombosis in the patients with AF.It is important to make TEE in patients with nonvalvulor Af to help assessing clinic risk and prognosis.