Real-time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography in evaluating on morphology and mechanical function of left atrial appendage in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation

Objective To observe the morphology and function of the left atrial appendage(LAA)using real-time threedimensional transesophageal echocardiography(RT3D-TEE)in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation(AF).Methods Images of 29atrial fibrillation patients(AF group)and 12patients without organic heart disease(control group)were obtained using transthoracic echocardiography and RT3D-TEE.The differences of LAA morphology and mechanical function between the two groups were compared.Results LAA short diameter and end-diastolic volume in AF group were higher than those in control group(P=0.01,0.02).LAA peak emptying velocity(PEV),LAA eccentricity and LAA ejection fraction(EF)in AF group were obviously lower than those in control group(P=0.01,0.01,0.02).Conclusion There were differences in size and function of LAA between AF group and control group.Quantitative analysis of the size and function of LAA with RT3D-TEE is feasible.