Prediction of left atrial appendage dysfunction by atrial strain imaging in patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis in sinus rhythm.

ABSTRACT:

Aims

In severe rheumatic mitral stenosis (MS) with sinus rhythm, left atrial appendage (LAA) dysfunction increases thromboembolic risk, yet clinical guidelines provide no recommendations, and its assessment via transoesophageal echocardiography is not feasible for routine or repeated use. This study assessed whether left atrial (LA) strain imaging could non-invasively predict LAA contractile dysfunction.

Methods and results

We prospectively enrolled 138 patients with severe rheumatic MS in sinus rhythm who underwent transthoracic and transoesophageal echocardiography. Left atrial appendage inactivity was defined as LAA emptying velocity < 25 cm/s. Left atrial reservoir strain (LASr), conduit, and contractile strain were quantified using speckle-tracking echocardiography. Mul

SUBMITTER: Yusuf J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC13574500 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature