Evaluation of Left Atrium/Left Atrial Appendage Function in Cases with Systemic Embolization in the Setting of Normal Transthoracic Echocardiography and Normal Sinus Rhythm

BACKGROUND: Various left atrium (LA) and left atrial appendage (LAA) anatomies and functions could be associated with embolic events. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate the impact of variation in LAA and LA functions on the occurrence of systemic embolization in normal sinus rhythm and normal echocardiography findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed on 22 patients with documented peripheral emboli versus 32 control subjects. RESULTS: LA area, LAA area, ejection fraction (EF) of LA/LAA, LAA velocity and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) of LA walls, left ventricular diastolic function, and EF were determined. There were statistically significant differences between LAA area, LAA EF, TDI of lateral LA wall, and TDI of anterior LA wall in cases versus controls. CONCLUSION: Echocardiography findings in LAA and LA functions could help to identify high-risk patients for embolic events in normal sinus rhythm cases.