Anatomical remodeling of left atria in subjects with chronic and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation evaluated by multislice computed tomography

Real three-dimensional assessment of left atrial and left atrial appendage volumes by 64-slice spiral computed tomography in individuals with or without cardiovascular disease

“…With the rapid improvements of MSCT technology, left heart cardiac chambers volumes can be obtained as a byproduct of coronary MSCT angiography without additional radiation exposure or contrast media infusion [14,29]. Using 256 slice CT, real four dimensional volumetric analysis of heart cavities can be accomplished even in subjects with arrhythmias [30,31].…”

Left atrial compensatory function in subjects with early stage primary hypertension assessed by using left atrial volumetric emptying fraction acquired by transthoracic echocardiography

“…As new indicators of the degree of LA load, we have previously used enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan data and have reported on the usefulness in this regard of the presence of thickening of LA anterior wall, abnormal late enhancement in the LA anterior wall suggesting presence of fibrosis or inflammation, early contrast defect in LAA, regression of anatomical structure of pectinate muscles in LAA, in addition to enlargement of LA, and LA appendage [20]. However, enhanced CT scans require radiation exposure and the use of contrast material and therefore in this study we selected the TTE.…”

Left atrial wall thickness in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation by multislice-CT is initial marker of structural remodeling and predictor of transition from paroxysmal to chronic form

“…MSCT is a useful method to evaluate cardiac anatomy [74][75][76][77][78][79][80][81][82][83] and is frequently used prior to RFCA for AF [15,84]. Transesophageal echocardiography remains the gold standard for identification of LAA thrombus and is performed prior RFCA for AF or electrical cardioversion [85].…”