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Left atrial flow propagation velocity: a new approach for assessment of left atrial reservoir function

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Abstract

To assess the feasibility of left atrial flow propagation velocity (LAFPV) measurement and to evaluate the influence of preload alterations on this new parameter of left atrial (LA) reservoir function as compared to conventional echocardiographic indices. 30 healthy volunteers (26 ± 5 years, 20 males) underwent echocardiographic examination at rest, during passive leg lifting and after sublingual administration of nitroglycerine with subsequent Valsalva maneuver. LA reservoir function was assessed by conventional indices including LA expansion index, peak velocity and velocity-time integral of pulmonary venous systolic flow. As well, LAFPV was measured by color M-mode in an apical 4-chamber view as the slope of the transatrial flow wave during LA reservoir phase. LAFPV measurement was feasible in 25 subjects (83%). All conventional parameters of LA reservoir function were significantly altered from resting values by both load-modifying conditions. However, LAPFV was not significantly altered by such maneuvers (228 ± 28 cm s−1 at rest vs. 238 ± 33 cm s−1 during leg lifting, P = NS, vs. 218 ± 38 cm s−1 after nitroglycerin with Valsalva maneuver, P = NS vs. rest, P < 0.01 vs. leg lifting). LAFPV can be measured in a majority of subjects and represents a new, less load-dependent index of LA reservoir function that may more appropriately reflect LA compliance.

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Acknowledgments

The authors thank William E. Louch, Ph.D., for proof-reading assistance. Financial support by the Cardiovascular research project of the Charles University Prague, nr. 0021620817.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. 2nd Department of Medicine - Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University of Prague and General University Hospital in Prague, U Nemocnice 2, 128 08, Prague 2, Czech Republic

    Tomas Palecek, Jean-Claude Lubanda, Radka Trckova & Ales Linhart

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  1. Tomas Palecek
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  2. Jean-Claude Lubanda
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Correspondence to Tomas Palecek.

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Palecek, T., Lubanda, JC., Trckova, R. et al. Left atrial flow propagation velocity: a new approach for assessment of left atrial reservoir function. Int J Cardiovasc Imaging 27, 75–82 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10554-010-9660-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10554-010-9660-x

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