Evaluation of transesophageal echocardiography on the morphology and function of the left atrial appendage in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation

Objective To investigate the application value of the transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation about the size, lobes, morphology and function of left atrial appendage (LAA). Methods One hundred and forty-two patients underwent TEE were divided into nonvalvular atrial fibrillation group (98 cases) and non atrial fibrillation group (44 cases). The orifice diameter, depth, volume, peak emptying velocity (PEV) of the LAA and the 1eft atrial dimension (LAD) were measured. The form and lobes of LAA, thrombus and spontaneous echo contrast (SEC) in LAA were observed. Results The LAA orifice diameter, depth, volume and LAD of patients with atrial fibrillation were significantly higher than those in the group without atrial fibrillation, which showed statistical significance (P<0.05). Forty-one cases in atrial fibrillation group were found with the SEC, and the number with thrombus in LAA was 22. The differences of PEV between chicken wings and non-chicken wings were statistically significant (P<0.05). The SEC in LAA and the lobe number of LAA had no relevance. Conclusions It was reliable to analyze the size, morphologies, lobes and hemodynamic parameters of LAA in patients with atrial fibrillation by TEE, which provided reference for percutaneous LAA occlusion and anticoagulation therapy for the patients with atrial fibrillation. Key words: Echocardiography, transesophageal; Atrial fibrillation; Left atrial appendage