Comparison of transesophageal echocardiographic assessment of right and left atrial appendage functions

Abstract

Objectives: To define right atrial appendage functional parameters and comparing them with those of left atrial appendage. Methods: A consecutive series of 154 patients (76 males and 78 females) with mean age of 42 years were referred for transesophageal echocardiography. Ejection and filling velocities of right and left atrial appendages were measured at 120 and 70 degrees respectively. The left and right ventricles size and function, right atrial size, tricuspid regurgitation severity, and pulmonary artery systolic pressure were prospectively measured and calculated during transthoracic echocardiography. Results: Mean right and left atrial appendages velocities were 42 ± 18 cm/s and 50 ± 26 cm/s respectively (PV