Does left atrial appendage morphology and dimension differ amongst etiological stroke subtypes in patients without known atrial fibrillation? Results from the left atrial appendage morphology and dimension assessment by TEE in patients with stroke without known atrial fibrillation (LAMDA-STROKE) study

Context: Complex left atrial appendage (LAA) morphology is increasingly associated with cryptogenic ischemic stroke as compared to cardioembolic stroke due to atrial fibrillation (AF). However, data on such an association in patients with other etiological stroke subtypes in the absence of AF is limited. Aim: The study aimed to assess the LAA morphology, dimension and other echocardiographic parameters by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) and compare it with other etiological stroke subtypes without known AF. Methods: This was a single-Centre, observational study involving comparison of echocardiographic parameters including LAA morphology and dimension in ESUS patients (group A; n ¼ 30) with other etiological stroke subtypes i.e., TOAST (Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment) class I-IV without AF (group B; n ¼ 30). Results: Complex LAA morphology was predominant in group A (18 patients in group A versus 5 patients in group B, p-Value ¼ 0.001). Mean LAA orifice diameter (15.3 þ 3.5 mm in group A versus 17 þ 2.0 mm in group B, p-Value ¼ 0.027) and LAA depth were significantly lower in group A (28.4 þ 6.6 mm in group A versus 31.7 þ 4.3 mm in group B, p-Value ¼ 0.026). Out of these three parameters only complex LAA morphology was found to be independently associated with ESUS [OR ¼ 6.003, 95% CI {1.225e29.417}, p ¼ 0.027]. Conclusion: Complex LAA morphology is a predominant feature in ischemic stroke patients with ESUS and may contribute to an increased risk of stroke in these patients.

Atrial septal defect with atrial fibrillation treated by one-stop radiofrequency ablation and transthoracic closure under total endoscopy: A case report / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Surgical treatment of atrial septal defect (ASD) mainly includes occlusion or repair under cardiopulmonary bypass. Surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation includes transcatheter radiofrequency ablation or Maze surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass. There are many treatments for ASD patients combined with atrial fibrillation, but each has its own advantages and disadvantages. We reported an ASD patient combined with atrial fibrillation treated by totally endoscopic "one-stop" radiofrequency ablation and simultaneous transthoracic ASD occlusion of atrial fibrillation, with good postoperative results.

The safety and efficiency of left atrial appendage closure combined delayed anticoagulant therapy in atrial fibrillation patients combined with cardiogenic stroke during anticoagulant therapy / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To assess the safety and efficiency of left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) combined delayed anticoagulant therapy in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients combined with cardiogenic stroke during anticoagulant therapy.Methods:Using prospective research methods, 35 AF patients combined with cardiogenic stroke during anticoagulant therapy from September 2020 to June 2022 in Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University were selected. All patients were treated with LAAC and delayed anticoagulant therapy. The endpoints were the safety and efficacy of LAAC combined with delayed anticoagulant therapy. The primary endpoint of efficacy was the composite endpoint of postoperative death, myocardial infarction, hemorrhagic stroke and systemic embolism. The safety endpoint was major bleeding as defined by the International Society for Thrombosis and Hemostasis and clinically relevant non-major bleeding.Results:Among 35 patients, 21 were males and 14 were females; the age was (68.5 ± 9.3) years old; the CHA 2DS 2-VASc score was 5 (4, 6) scores; the time to the last stroke was 95 (42, 98) d; the National Institutes of Health stroke scale score at the time of stroke was 3 (1, 6) scores. All patients successfully completed LAAC without perioperative instrument-surface thrombosis, death, new stroke or bleeding events. Thirty-two patients continued oral anticoagulant therapy 45 d after LAAC. The patients were followed up for (12.6 ± 4.3) months, 1 patient experienced recurrent ischemic stroke, 2 patients endured mucosal bleeding, there were no adverse events such as all-cause death, cardiovascular death, systemic embolism and hemorrhagic stroke. Conclusions:The LAAC combined delayed anticoagulant therapy is efficient and safe in patients with AF. For AF patients combined with cardiogenic stroke during anticoagulant therapy, LAAC combined with delayed anticoagulation therapy may be considered to further prevent ischemic stroke events.

Supramitral Membrane with Left Atrial Appendage Thrombus: A Rare Entity

A 4?year?old child with supramitralmembrane (SMM) causing severemitral stenosis (MS) was taken for excision of themembrane. Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography showed a large thrombus in the left atrial appendage (LAA) in addition to SMM.The case underscores the importance of this extremely rare association and prompt therapy to prevent catastrophic consequences.

Prevalence and Echocardiographic Predictors of Left Atrial Appendage Inactivity in Patients of Mitral Stenosis

Background: Mitral stenosis (MS) is a common valvular heart disease. Thromboembolism is one of the most serious consequences of mitral stenosis, particularly when it is accompanied with atrial fibrillation (AF). When linked with Left atrial appendage inactivity (LAAI), patients with sinus rhythm (SR) are also at risk for this condition. In mitral stenosis, LAA inactivity determined by S-wave is an independent predictor of thromboembolism. The aim of the study was to evaluate the Prevalence and Echocardiographic Predictors of Left Atrial Appendage inactivity in patients of Mitral Stenosis.Material & Methods:Sixty MS patients were evaluated by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and all patients underwent transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). The annular systolic (S-wave) and diastolic (Em- and Am-waves) velocities were recorded by tissue Doppler imaging (TDI). LAA inactivity was defined as LAA emptying velocity <25 cm/second determined by pulse wave Doppler at the junction of LA & LAA (TEE). Patients were divided into three groups; group A I (n = 18). Sinus rhythm (SR) and LAA emptying velocity ?25 cm/sec, group A II (n -22): SR and LAA emptying velocity <25cm/sec and group B (n = 20): atrial fibrillation.Results:Thrombus was detected in 14 patients and spontaneous echo contrast (SEC) was detected in 43 patients. Both S-wave and peak LAA emptying velocities were decreasing, while SEC frequency and density were increasing from group A to group B. There was a positive correlation between LAA emptying vs. S-wave and LAA emptying vs. Am velocities (p < 0.001, r= 0.708 and p<0.001, r=0.495). Multivariate regression analysis showed that only S-wave is the independent predictor of inactive LAA (p = 0.001, odds ratio = 0.133, 95% Cl =0.032-0.556). In patients with SR, the cutoff value of S-wave was 10 cm/sec for the prediction of the presence of inactive LAA (sensitivity: 92.3%, specificity: 95.3%).Conclusions:In individuals with severe mitral stenosis in sinus rhythm, there is a significant prevalence of left atrial appendage inactivity. The mean pressure gradient across the mitral valve, as well as S-wave are independent predictors of left atrial appendage inactivity. Inactivity of the left atrial appendage is an independent predictor of left atrial/left atrial appendage smoke and associated thrombus.

Cierre percutáneo de orejuela en paciente con antecedente de cierre percutáneo de comunicación interauricular / Left atrial appendage closure in a patient with prior atrial septal defect occlusion

Resumen La fibrilación auricular es la arritmia más prevalente en la práctica clínica, y se asocia con una morbimortalidad significativa, la cual, en parte, se explica por el riesgo de fenómenos embólicos. En la actualidad, el uso de anticoagulantes es el estándar de manejo en aquellos pacientes con riesgo embólico significativo (dado por un puntaje ≥ 2 en la escala CHA2DS2Vasc). Sin embargo, algunos pacientes tienen contraindicaciones que impiden recibir este tipo de tratamiento a largo plazo, en cuyo caso se considera el cierre percutáneo de la orejuela como medida para la disminución del riesgo de embolia. Al requerir una punción transeptal, la presencia de dispositivos de cierre de defectos del septo interauricular dificulta el procedimiento de manera significativa. Se presenta el caso de una paciente con contraindicación absoluta para recibir anticoagulantes debido a sangrado gastrointestinal y antecedente de cierre percutáneo de comunicación interauricular sometida a cierre percutáneo de orejuela como alternativa terapéutica a la anticoagulación.

Abstract Atrial fibrillation is the most prevalent arrythmia in clinical practice, associated with a significant morbimortality explained, in part, by the high risk of embolic phenomena. The use of anticoagulation is the standard of care in those patients with increased embolic risk (given by a score ≥ 2 in the CHA2DS2Vasc scale). However, some patients have contraindications to receiving this treatment long-term, in which case percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion can be considered as a means of decreasing their embolic risk. Because the procedure requires transeptal puncture, the presence of devices for atrial septal defect closure can difficult the technique. We present the case of a patient with absolute contraindication to anticoagulation therapy given gastrointestinal bleeding, with history of percutaneous closure of interauricular communication, who was treated with percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion as an alternative to oral anticoagulants.

Intraoperative echocardiographic contrast opacifies the left atrial appendage and assists in surgical exclusion

Surgical exclusion of the left atrial appendage (LAA) for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation is frequently incomplete and remains to be optimized. We present a man who did not tolerate anticoagulant and failed percutaneous occlusion. Intraoperative echocardiographic contrast was used to assist surgical exclusion. Follow?up showed a persistent occlusion.

Efficacy of Watchman occlusion of the left atrial appendage in patients ≥85 years with atrial fibrillation / 中华老年医学杂志

Objective:To analyze the safety and efficacy of left atrial appendage closure(LAAC)with Watchman in patients ≥85 years with atrial fibrillation(AF).Methods:515 elderly patients with atrial fibrillation, including 73 patients aged 85 years or older(85~91), who had undergone Watchman LAAC at Zhoupu Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Health Medical College from August 2016 to December 2020, were retrospectively analyzed.Of those ≥85 years, 44(60.3%)with transesophageal echocardiography records were assigned to the elderly group.Fifty-three patients aged 60 to 65 were selected as the control group.Differences in baseline data, intraoperative conditions, antithrombotic treatment plans and 1-year follow-up prognosis were compared between the two groups.Results:Compared with the control group, there was no difference in AF types, history of ischemic stroke/transient ischaemic attack(all P>0.05), but there were higher incidences of coronary heart disease and renal insufficiency, more severe heart failure, higher CHA 2DS 2-VASC(6.0±1.5 vs.3.6±1.5), HAS-BLED(3.2±1.2 vs.2.3±1.3)scores( t values were 7.682 and 3.871, respectively, P<0.05), and a lower one-stop surgery rate(6 cases or 13.6% vs. 27 cases or 50.9%, χ2=10.517, P<0.05)in the advanced age group.There was no difference in the diameter of the Watchman device, rate of device replacement, compression percentage and residual flow between the two groups during the perioperative period.The incidences of device-related thrombosis were 4.5%(2/44)and 3.8%(2/53)for the advanced age group and the control group, respectively, but the difference was not statistically significant( P>0.05). During the 12-month follow-up, there were no cases of ischemic stroke or intracerebral hemorrhage.Three died of heart failure and 1 died of cancer. Conclusions:LAAC with Watchman is safe and effective for patients over 85 years with AF, but the decision on the procedure should be based on careful assessment of patients' cardiac and renal function and general health.

"One-stop" left atrial appendage clipping combined with transcatheter aortic valve replacement for patients with atrial fibrillation and aortic valve disease / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective    To summarize the experience and efficacy of "one-stop" left atrial appendage clipping (LAAC) combined with transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and aortic valve disease. Methods     From April 2018 to March 2021, 16 patients with AF and severe aortic valve disease underwent "one-stop" LAAC and TAVR in our department. All patients had long-standing persistent AF. There were 10 males and 6 females with an average age of 77.2±6.2 years. CHA2DS2-VASc score was 4.4±0.8 points, and HAS-BLED score was 3.5±0.7 points. Results    All patients successfully underwent "one-stop" LAAC combined with TAVR. There was no death during perioperative and follow-up periods. The length of the left atrial appendage base measured during the operation was 37.8±3.5 mm. The types of atrial appendage clip were 35 mm (n=3), 40 mm (n=8) and 45 mm (n=5). The time required for clipping the left atrial appendage (from skin cutting to skin suturing) was 25.7±3.8 min. There was no stroke or bleeding of important organs during the perioperative period. The average hospital stay was 6.8±2.0 d. The follow-up time was 19.6±10.1 months, during which there was no patient of cerebral hemorrhage or cerebral infarction. During the administration of warfarin, 2 patients had subcutaneous ecchymosis and 1 patient had gingival bleeding. Conclusion    "One-stop" LAAC combined with TAVR can be safely and effectively used to treat AF and aortic valve disease patients with high risk of thromboembolism and anticoagulant bleeding. The early and middle-term curative effect is satisfactory.

A Case of the Left Atrial Appendage Perforation with the WATCHMAN Device Implantation Rescued by an Open Heart Surgery / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

The transcatheter left atrial appendage occluding device, WATCHMAN, can be used to prevent thromboembolism in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation who are at high risk of bleeding during anticoagulation. We report an emergent surgical case of cardiac tamponade due to the left atrial appendage perforation with the WATCHMAN device implantation. An 83-year-old woman with recurrent paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (CHA2DS2-VASc score 4, HAS-BLED score 3) after catheter ablation was scheduled for the WATCHMAN device implantation. During implantation, the patient developed cardiac tamponade and underwent emergent surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass for active bleeding despite pericardial drainage. The bleeding was caused by the left atrial appendage perforation, and suture exclusion of the left atrial appendage was performed.

Thoracoscopy-assisted radiofrequency ablation and/or left atrial appendage exclusion for atrial fibrillation / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective    To investigate the short-term efficacy and safety of thoracoscopy-assisted epicardial radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) and/or left atrial appendage exclusion (LAAE). Methods    The clinical data of 12 patients with solitary AF admitted to Beijing Tiantan Hospital from November 2018 to August 2020 were retrospectively analyzed, including 7 males and 5 females, with an average age of 65.2±5.3 years. Of them, 2 had paroxysmal AF, 1 had persistent AF and 9 had permanent AF. Results    No patient died during hospitalization, 5 patients underwent radiofrequency ablation for AF and LAAE, and 6 received LAAE alone. The operation time was 293±70 min in radiofrequency ablation for AF+LAAE patients and 71±14 min in LAAE patients. Two patients restored sinus rhythm, two restored after electric cardioversion, and one remained AF in AF+LAAE patients. Postoperatively, 1 patient had pleural effusion and 1 had subcutaneous emphysema. No stroke was observed. Conclusion    Thoracoscopy-assisted radiofrequency ablation for AF and/or LAAE reduce the risk of procedure, and provide alternative approach to treat AF-associated diseases. However, large sample size studies using prospective cohort designs are required to corroborate the present findings.

Correlation between abnormal left atrial appendage function and thrombotic events in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation / 中华内科杂志

Objective:To investigate the association between abnormal left atrial appendage function and thrombotic events in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation, and the independent risk factors affecting left atrial appendage function.Methods:Patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation, who visited the Atrial Fibrillation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from June 1, 2019 to June 1, 2021, were selected. According to left atrial appendage flow velocity (LAAFV), they were divided into normal left atrial appendage function group (297 patients with LAAFV ≥ 40 cm/s) and abnormal left atrial appendage function group (85 patients with LAAFV<40 cm/s). Baseline data and transesophageal echocardiography images were collected from all the patients. The occurrence of thrombotic events was recorded. Univariate and multivariate unconditional logistic regression analyses were conducted to investigate the correlation between abnormal left atrial appendage function and the occurrence of thrombotic events.Results:There were significant differences in gender, type of atrial fibrillation, CHA 2DS 2-VASc score, anticoagulant therapy, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, international normalized ratio (INR), left atrial diameter, proportion of patients with right atrial enlargement, left ventricular ejection fraction, inner diameter, sum of inner diameter, depth, and sum of depth of all angles of the left atrial appendage, and incidence of thrombotic events between the two groups (all P<0.05). After adjusting for confounders, multivariate unconditional logistic regression analyses showed that abnormal left atrial appendage function was closely associated with thrombotic events (β=1.168 P=0.002), and left atrial diameter ( OR=1.084, 95% CI 1.019-1.153, P=0.011) and persistent atrial fibrillation ( OR=2.323, 95% CI 1.226-4.403, P=0.010) were independent risk factors affecting left atrial appendage function. Conclusions:Abnormal left atrial appendage function is closely associated with thrombosis. The left atrial diameter and persistent atrial fibrillation were independent risk factors affecting left atrial appendage function.

Prenatal and postnatal echocardiography evaluation of left atrial appendage aneurysm / 中国医师杂志

Objective:To summarize the ultrasonophic features of left atrial appendage aneurysm, and to provide an important reference for the early and accurate diagnosis of left atrial appendage aneurysm.Methods:Patients with atrial appendage aneurysm have no obvious symptoms in the early stage, and there are many difficulties and challenges in diagnosis. This paper analyzed and summarized the diagnostic characteristics of a child with left atrial appendage aneurysm by combining the prenatal and postnatal ultrasonic imaging characteristics.Results:Echocardiography is the first choice for the diagnosis of left atrial appendage aneurysm. Some cases can make precise diagnosis prenatally.Conclusions:Echocardiography is the preferred imaging examination method for evaluating left atrial appendage aneurysm. Multimodal imaging technology can identify and diagnose left atrial appendage aneurysm early and accurately, and provide important basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment plan.

Clinical analysis of delayed cardiac tamponade in atrial fibrillation patients with left atrial appendage closure / 中华急诊医学杂志

Objective:To investigate the relationship of delayed cardiac tamponade (CT) after left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients and implanted occluders and adjacent anatomical structures.Methods:This study was a retrospective study. Thirteen AF patients with LAAC complicated with delayed CT and with concurrent emergency pericardiocentesis drainage in Zhoupu Hospital, Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences from August 2016 to June 2021 were selected. The follow-up time was (16±12) months. The clinical data of these patients were retrospectively analyzed, including the relationship between the left atrial appendage and pulmonary artery, vein anatomy by left atrium computed tomography angiography (CTA) before and after LAAC.Results:Thirteen patients with delayed CT were treated by pericardiocentesis and drainage after LAAC and aged (72.1±8.3) years, and 7 patients were male, Six patients received cryoablation simultaneously. The classification types of left atrial appendage included cauliflower and chicken wing types were 8 and 5 respectively. The seal plate diameter of the lobe-and-disc devices was (29.5±2.8)mm; 10 patients had cardiac CTA reviewed. The occluder was attached to pulmonary artery in 8 patients, attached to left superior pulmonary vein only in one patient, and attached to pulmonary artery and left superior pulmonary vein in one patient. The prognosis was good except one patient who died 2 days after LAAC.Conclusions:Delayed CT after LACC is closely related to the location of left atrial appendage adjacent to pulmonary artery and left superior pulmonary vein, and is related to larger occluder and anchor hook.

Intracardiac echocardiography versus transesophageal echocardiography for left atrial appendage occlusion: A systematic review and meta-analysis / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective     To systematically evaluate the safety, efficacy, and economics of intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) versus transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO). Methods     PubMed, EMbase, The Cochrane Library, CBM, CNKI, VIP and WanFang Database were systematically  searched to collect relevant studies on comparing ICE and TEE-guided LAAO from inception to June 15th, 2022. Two reviewers independently screened the literatures, extracted the data, and assessed the risk of bias of the included studies. Meta-analyses were performed using RevMan 5.3 and R 4.0.3. Retrospective cohort studies were excluded for sensitivity analysis. Subgroup analyses were performed based on the types of occluder and ICE catheter. Results     A total of 14 studies with 6 599 patients were included. Meta-analyses showed no statistical differences in technical success rate, overall complications, device embolization, peri-device leakage, device-related thrombus, stroke, vascular complications, bleeding, operation time, fluoroscopy time, or contrast agent volume between the ICE and TEE-guided LAAO. The total in-room time (MD=–33.47 min, 95%CI –41.20 to –25.73, P<0.000 01) and radiation dosage (MD=–170.20 mGy, 95%CI –309.79 to –30.62, P=0.02) were lower in the ICE group than those in the TEE group, whereas the incidence of pericardial effusion/tamponade was higher than the TEE group (RR=1.57, 95%CI 1.01 to 2.45, P=0.048). Except for pericardial effusion/tamponade, subgroup analyses and sensitivity analysis showed similar results. The analysis based on the cost data from the United States showed comparable or even lower total costs for ICE versus TEE, but comparative domestic cost studies were lacking. Conclusion     Current evidence suggests that ICE-guided LAAO can reduce radiation dosage and total in-room time, and there is no statistical difference in the overall complication rate between the two groups. Owing to the limitations of sample size and quality of the included studies, the conclusion still needs to be verified by large sample size and high-quality randomized controlled trials.

Successful Left Atrial Appendage Closure with Watchman Device Implantation in Two Patients with Inferior Vena Cava Filters

Percutaneous procedures through femoral access in patients with inferior vena cava (IVC) filter may be at risk of complications. We evaluated the feasibility and safety of left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) through femoral access in patients previously implanted with IVC filter. We described the WatchmanTM device implantation in two patients with formal contraindication for oral anticoagulation. First patient had a GreenfieldTM filter and the second one an OpteaseTM filter, and in this patient an attempt to withdrawal the filter immediately before the LAAC procedure failed. A femoral approach was performed in both patients using a 14 Fr sheath. Before crossing IVC filters, venographies did not detect any thrombus. All steps of IVC filter crossing were performed under fluoroscopic guidance. No immediate or intrahospital complications related to the procedure occurred. Herein, we presented two cases of successful LAAC closure with Watchman device in patients with two different kinds of IVC filters.

Un nuevo método no invasivo en la valoración integral de la fibrilación auricular por tomografía cardíaca / A novel, non-invasive, integral imaging assessment in atrial fibrillation by cardiac tomography

Resumen Objetivo: Analizar la utilidad clínica y la viabilidad de la tomografía cardíaca multidetector (TCMD) en la valoración de pacientes con fibrilación auricular (FA). Material y métodos: Estudio prospectivo de casos y controles en 84 sujetos (54 con FA y 30 controles). La morfología de la orejuela izquierda (OI) se clasificó en cactus, ala de pollo, manga de viento y coliflor. La presencia de trombo en la OI, el antecedente de accidente cerebrovascular y la escala CHA2DS2-VASc se compararon con parámetros obtenidos por TCMD. Resultados: La fracción de expulsión de la aurícula izquierda (FEAI) y la fracción de expulsión de la orejuela izquierda (FEOI) fueron más bajas en los individuos con FA (p < 0.001). El volumen indexado de la aurícula izquierda (VIAI) fue mayor en los pacientes con FA (p < 0.001). Se observó una correlación inversa entre la FEAI y el VIAI (r = -0.38, p < 0.001). La morfología tipo coliflor fue la más frecuente en enfermos con FA, mientras que la de tipo cactus predominó en los controles. La de tipo coliflor fue la más relacionada con presencia de trombos (p < 0.01), así como una calificación CHA2DS2-VASc alta. La velocidad de flujo fue menor en los pacientes con FA (p < 0.001). Conclusión: La TCMD es un método novedoso y no invasivo para una valoración integral en la FA. Los resultados de este estudio podrían mejorar la precisión, la utilidad clínica y el análisis de estratificación del riesgo en la FA. Los autores proponen incluir este nuevo método en la valoración integral del riesgo tromboembólico en pacientes con FA.

Abstract Objective: To analyze the clinical utility and feasibility of the multidetector cardiac tomography (MDCT) in multi-parametric imaging assessment in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. Material and methods: Prospective case-control study in 84 subjects (54 AF subjects and 30 healthy subjects). Left atrial appendage (LAA) morphology was classified as: cactus, chicken wing, wind sock, cauliflower. Intra-cardiac thrombus, stroke history and CHA2DS2-VASC scale were compared to cardiac MDCT atrial imaging assessment. Results: Left atrial ejection fraction (LAEF) and LAA ejection fraction (LAAEF) were lower in AF subjects (p < 0.001), left atrial volume index (LAVI) was higher in AF subjects (p < 0.001). An inverse correlation between LAEF and LAVI was found (r = −0.38, p < 0.001). Cauliflower LAA morphology frequency was higher in AF subjects, whereas cactus LAA morphology frequency was higher in controls. Cauliflower LAA morphology was associated with thrombus presence (p < 0.01) as well as a higher CHA2DS2-VASc score. Flow velocity were lower in AF subject compared to controls (p < 0.001). Conclusion: MDCT is a novel, non-invasive, worldwide available method for an integral assessment in AF. Our results could improve precision, clinical utility and risk stratification analysis in AF. Our proposal is to include this new method into the global cardiovascular and thrombotic risk assessment in AF patients.

Value of left atrial appendage measurement parameters based on coronary CT angiography in predicting cardiogenic stroke in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation / 中华放射学杂志

Objective:To investigate the predictive value of measurement parameters of left atrial appendage by coronary CTA (CCTA) for the risk of cardiogenic stroke (CS) in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF).Methods:The clinical and examination data of 179 patients with NVAF who underwent CCTA examination were retrospectively analyzed. The selected patients were grouped according to the outbreak of acute ischemic stroke and TIA within 2 years after CCTA examination. Patients who met the criteria for CS were selected as cases (87 patients), and those with neither stroke nor TIA as controls (92 patients). The diameter and area of left atrial appendage (LAA) orifice, the LAA depth, and the LAA volume were measured by using dedicated software. The parameter was corrected using the body surface area (BSA) to obtain the correction index of corresponding parameter. The independent samples t test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Chi-square test were used to compare the differences in various indicators between the two groups. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze the impacts of body mass index (BMI), hyperlipidemia, the duration years of atrial fibrillation, left atrial appendage area index (LAAOA Index), and the left atrial appendage emptying fraction (LAAEF) on the risk of CS. The ROC curve was used to evaluate the predictive value of LAAOA Index and LAAEF for the onset of CS. Results:The correction index of the left atrial appendage orifice maximum and minimum diameter, the left atrial appendage orifice area, and the maximum & minimum left atrial appendage volume and the LAAEF in the case group were (1.80±0.21) cm/m 2, (1.19±0.17) cm/m 2, (3.20±0.71) cm 2/m 2, (7.91±1.92) ml/m 2, (5.03±1.40) ml/m 2, (36.20±10.54)%, and those value in the control group were (1.64±0.24) cm/m 2, (1.06±0.19) cm/m 2, (2.65±0.64) cm 2/m 2, (6.61±1.68) ml/m 2, (3.67±1.28) ml/m 2, (45.25±10.07)%, the differences were statistically significant ( t= 4.783, 4.647, 5.481, 4.826, 6.823, and -5.875, all P<0.001). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that the increase in LAAOA Index ( P= 0.005) and the decrease in LAAEF ( P<0.001) were independent risk factors for CS in NVAF patients. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of LAAOA Index was 0.712 (95%CI 0.639-0.777), and the best diagnostic cut-off was 3.16 cm 2/m 2; the AUC of LAAEF was 0.734 (95%CI 0.663-0.797), the cut-off was 38.71%; the AUC of LAAOA Index-LAAEF was 0.786 (95%CI 0.718-0.843). The difference of AUC value between LAAOA Index and LAAEF was not statistically significant ( Z= 0.448, P= 0.654). The difference of AUC between the LAAOA Index-LAAEF and LAAOA Index ( Z=2.667, P=0.008) and between the LAAOA Index-LAAEF and LAAEF ( Z=2.061, P=0.039) were statistically significant. Conclusions:CCTA can provide a one-stop and relatively accurate evaluation of the size and function of the left atrial appendage by post-processing the coronary vascular scan data. Left atrial appendage measurement parameters from CCTA can be used as a supplement to the CHA2DS2-VASc score, and provide quantitative indicators for the risk assessment of CS in patients with NVAF.

Three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography evaluation of changes in parameters of mitral value pre- and post-left atrial appendage closure / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To investigate the relationship between Watchman occluder and structure of mitral valve apparatus in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation after left atrial appendage closure(LAAC) by transesophageal echocardiography.Methods:From January 2018 to December 2020, 29 patients [20 male, 9 female, (69.55±10.06)years old] with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation underwent LAAC in Zhongshan Hospital (implanted Watchman occluder), and all patients underwent pre-operative and follow-up two and three dimensional transesophageal echocardiography(2DTEE, 3DTEE) at 60 days after the operation. The quantitative parameters of mitral valve apparatus were obtained by offline analysis using the MVA module in QLab 13.0 (Philips Healthcare, Andover, MA), the differences between pre-operation and post-operation were compared, and the relationship between occluder compression ratio and mitral valve parameters with significant changes after operation was analyzed.Results:①The values of AL-PM diameter(AL-PM), 3D annulus circumference(3DAC), 2D annulus area(2DAA), 3D annulus area(3DAA), tenting volume(TnV), tenting area(TnA) and commissural diameter(CD) decreased significantly compared with pre-operative values(all P<0.05), while the annulus sphericity index(SPI) increased significantly ( P<0.05). ②In the quantitative mitral value parameters with significant pre- and post-operation changes, TnV was correlated with the occluder compression ratio ( r=0.403, P=0.030), but AL-PM, SPI, 3DAC, 2DAA, 3DAA, TnA, CD were not correlated with it(all P>0.05). Conclusions:3DTEE can accurately evaluate the effect of Watchman occluder on the morphology of mitral valve device. Implanting Watchman occluder in left atrial appendage can make three-dimensional mitral valve apparatus flat and decrease annulus left-right diameter and annulus area; the pre-operative TnV, the more susceptible to the occluder implantation, and TnV is correlated with the compression ratio.

Evaluation of left atrial appendage structure and function in patients with atrial fibrillation by real-time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography and speckle tracking imaging / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the left atrial appendage (LAA) structure and function in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) by real-time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (RT-3DTEE) and speckle tracking imaging (STI).Methods:One-hundred and one patients examined by RT-3DTEE in the First Central Hospital of Baoding from January 2018 to August 2020 were selected and divided into non-atrial fibrillation group (non-AF group) and atrial fibrillation group (AF group), and further divided the AF group into three subgroups: non-spontaneous echo contrast subgroup (non-SEC subgroup), spontaneous echo contrast subgroup (SEC subgroup) and thrombosis subgroup (TH subgroup). The structural and functional parameters of the LAA were compared among all the groups. Logistic regression analysis and ROC curve analysis were used to screen the risk factors of thrombosis.Results:①Compared with the non-AF group, end-diastolic volume of LAA (LAA-EDV) and end-systolic volume of LAA (LAA-ESV) were significantly increased in AF group, emptying velocity of LAA (LAA-EV), filling velocity of LAA (LAA-FV), emptying fraction of LAA (LAA-EF), strain of LAA (LAA-S), left ventricular systolic velocity of pulmonary vein (VS) and left ventricular diastolic velocity of pulmonary vein (VD) were significantly decreased in AF group (all P<0.05). Comparison between subgroups in AF group, long diameter of LAA opening (LAA-D1) and short diameter of LAA opening (LAA-D2) in TH group were significantly larger than other groups, open areas of LAA (LAA-OA) in SEC group and TH group were significantly larger than non-SEC, and left ventricular systolic early velocity of pulmonary vein (VR), VS and VD were significantly smaller than non-SEC( P<0.05). The differences of LAA-EV, LAA-FV, LAA-EF and LAA-S among the subgroups were statistically significant (all P<0.05). ②Logistic regression analysis found that LAA-EV, LAA-FV, LAA-EF and LAA-S were independent factors of LAA thrombosis in patients with AF ( P<0.05). ③ROC curve analysis found that the cut-off values of LAA-EV, LAA-FV, LAA-EF and LAA-S for predicting LAA thrombosis in patients with AF were 30.95 cm/s, 29.60 cm/s, 30.84% and 10.95, respectively. Conclusions:By combining RT-3DTEE with STI to analyze the structure and function of LAA with multiple parameters, and observe whether the LAA has SEC and thrombosis, it can more effective and accurate information for AF progressim and guide clinicians to formulate the further treatment plan.