Evaluation of left atrial appendage functions using multiple parameters by transesophageal echocardiography / 中华超声影像学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To discuss the feasibility and accuracy of left atrial appendage (LAA)ejection fraction by real-time 3 dimensional imaging (3D-EF),and tissue velocity of the LAA wall by tissue Doppler imaging (TDI)via transesophageal echocardiography (TEE)in assessing LAA functions.Methods A total number of 76 patients with atrial fibrillation (AF)were included in the study consecutively and underwent TEE for LAA investigations.3D-EF,fractional area change by 2 dimensional imaging (2D-FAC),peak emptying velocity (PEV),LAA tissue velocity by TDI at the mid-portion of lateral wall (TDI-L),mid-portion of septal wall (TDI-S)and the apical tip (TDI-A)were calculated.Results Statistic analysis showed the following results:1 )2D-FAC,3D-EF,PEV,TDI-L,TDI-S and TDI-A were all significantly higher in patients with sinus rhythm than those with AF during the TEE examinations (all P <0.05),and significantly higher in patients without spontaneous echo contrast (SEC)than those who had SEC (all P <0.05);2)The results of 3D-EF showed a good correlation with 2D-FAC (r=0.727,P =0.000),and their correlations with PEV were similar (2D-FAC and PEVr =0.685;3D-EF and PEVr =0.632,both P =0.000);3)TDI-A [(14.95±4.63)cm/s]were significantly higher than TDI-L [(12.62±3.96)cm/s]and TDI-S [(12.68±3.59)cm/s](both P =0.000).The correlations of TDI-A with PEV,2D-FAC and 3D-EF were all marked higher than those of TDI-L and TDI-S (with PEVr=0.840 vs r=0.564,r=0.524;with 2D-FACr=0.701 vs r=0.486,r=0.504;with 3D-EFr=0.753 vs r=0.493,r=0.522,all P <0.05). Conclusions 3D TEE is feasible and reliable in assessing LAA emptying function.The best location for LAA tissue velocity evaluation is the apical tip.