Structure and Function of the Left Atrium and Left Atrial Appendage: AF and Stroke Implications

J Am Coll Cardiol. 2017 Dec 26;70(25):3157-3172. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2017.10.063.

Abstract

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and stroke are important major health problems that share common risk factors and frequently coexist. Left atrial (LA) remodeling is an important underlying substrate for AF and stroke. LA dilation and dysfunction form a prothrombotic milieu characterized by blood stasis and endothelial dysfunction. In addition, alterations of the atrial cardiomyocytes, increase of noncollagen deposits in the interstitial space and fibrosis, favor the occurrence of re-entry that predisposes to AF. Eventually, AF further impairs LA function and promotes LA remodeling, closing a self-perpetuating vicious circle. Multimodality imaging provides a comprehensive evaluation of several aspects of LA remodeling and offers several parameters to identify patients at risk of AF and stroke. How multimodality imaging can be integrated in clinical management of patients at risk of AF and stroke is the focus of the present review paper.

Keywords: atrial fibrillation; left atrial appendage; left atrium; multimodality imaging; stroke.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Atrial Appendage / diagnostic imaging*
  • Atrial Appendage / physiopathology
  • Atrial Fibrillation* / complications
  • Atrial Fibrillation* / diagnosis
  • Atrial Fibrillation* / physiopathology
  • Atrial Function, Left / physiology*
  • Atrial Remodeling*
  • Global Health
  • Heart Atria / diagnostic imaging*
  • Heart Atria / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Multimodal Imaging / methods*
  • Stroke* / epidemiology
  • Stroke* / etiology
  • Stroke* / prevention & control