Objectives Left atrial (LA) dilation can evolve into asymmetrical remodeling. The
aim of this study was to determine the echocardiographic parameters associated
with LA asymmetric structural remodeling (ASR) in patients with and without
nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods and results A total of 170 patients with a dilated LA were prospectively
enrolled. ASR was defined as an atrium shape that is no longer ellipsoidal (LA
basal dimension measured at the junction between the pulmonary vein and atrium
greater than the mitral annular dimension). Symmetric structural remodeling
(SSR) was defined as all other cases. Echocardiographic parameters of LA
function and left ventricular diastolic function, measured by pulsed-wave
Doppler and Tissue Doppler Imaging, were analyzed to identify the parameters associated
with ASR. The mean age of the patients was 67 ± 11
years. Forty-one percent had a stable sinus rhythm (SR), and 59%
had AF. LA-ASR was detected in 66% of the patients:
55% with AF and 45% with SR (p=0.002). The mean LA-ASR and LA-SSR volume
indexes were 49 ± 14 ml/m² and 29 ± 13 ml/m²,
respectively (p<0.001). LA systolic myocardial velocity (p=0.036) and peak systolic pulmonary venous flow
velocity (p=0.033) were the parameters best associated with ASR. The
sensitivity and specificity of both parameters, based on ROC curve analysis,
were 77 and 70%, respectively. The AUC was 0.765 (95% CI: 0.662-0.849,
p=0.0001). Conclusion LA dilation is associated with asymmetrical structural remodeling. Echocardiographic parameters that reflect LA reservoir
function are best associated with asymmetrical remodeling.
Credits: MARIANA FLORIA; JACQUES JAMART; ERWIN SCHROEDER; CATALINA ARSENESCU GEORGESCU