Atrial function

Question 1

3 components of LA fct

Answer 1

o Reservoir: atrial diastole = reservoir during ventricular systole
o Conduit: early ventricular filling and diastasis
o Active pump: atrial contraction in late ventricular diastole

Question 2

Why is LA fct important

Answer 2

• LA modulates LV filling
  o Contraction of LA = late phase of ventricular diastole

Question 3

Significance of LA size

Answer 3

correlate w disease severity + predict clinical outcome
o Different dz for LA of similar size
o Transmitral and pulmonary flow velocities correlated to LAP and pressures changes

Question 4

Assessment of fct

Answer 4

• Transmitral flow: analyze diastolic function and indirectly atrial function
  o Maximal A wave velocity + A wave VTI (flow volume) correlate to degree of contraction
  o Conduit function assessed with E wave
• Pulmonary venous flow
• LA volume/area
  o Combination of 2 or > 2D images
  o Linear dimension at end systole
• LA appendage function
  o PW at junction of LA and appendage
  o Maximal velocity during LA contraction
• Indices of LA fct