Left atrial appendage: structure, function, imaging modalities and therapeutic options

Abstract

The left atrial appendage (LAA) is a common source of cardiac thrombus formation and systemic embolism. It is a ‘blind’ cul-de-sac and multilobed anatomic structure with variable anatomy. Therefore, it requires detailed evaluation in multiple imaging planes to evaluate for thrombus formation. Transesophageal echocardiography is the most common imaging modality used to rule out LAA thrombus. Doppler imaging enhances understanding of LAA function. 3D imaging of the LAA with live 3D transesophageal echocardiography, computed tomography and MRI may be further utilized for thrombus detection, as well as for sizing, and the development of new transcatheter occluder devices for LAA to prevent thrombus formation is needed.

Keywords::

• left atrial appendage imaging
• left atrial appendage thrombus
• watchman device

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.