engleski

Pitfalls in left atrial appendage imaging prior to cardioversion – incremental value of contrast echocardiography

Left atrial appendage (LAA) is the most common site for cardiac thrombus. This issue is especially addressed prior cardioversion of atrial fibrillation (Afib). In clinical practice, transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is the most important diagnostic tool for analysis of LAA morphology, flow patterns and presence of thrombus. However, better echo machines allow more frequent visualization of spontaneous echo contrast (SEC), which by itself is not contraindication for cardioversion1. Distinguishing LAA thrombus from pectinate muscles and SEC is today improved by multimodality imaging, especially computed tomography (CT). Even though, the use of contrast echocardiography in this setting is still of most importance since it is safe, quick and easily available.

cardiac imaging ; contrast echocardiography ; left atrial appendage ; spontaneous echo contrast

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