A highly-detailed anatomical study of left atrial auricle as revealed by in-vivo computed tomography

Cesare Mantini, Francesco Corradi, Fabrizio Ricci, Bjarke Jensen, Claudio Tana, Valeria di Mascio, Domenico Mastrodicasa, Benedetta Bucciarelli, Luca Procaccini, Luca Saba, Marco Tana, Filippo Cademartiri, Raffaele de Caterina

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

The left atrial auricle (LAA) is the main source of intracardiac thrombi, which contribute significantly to the total number of stroke cases. It is also considered a major site of origin for atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing ablation procedures. The LAA is known to have a high degree of morphological variability, with shape and structure identified as important contributors to thrombus formation. A detailed understanding of LAA form, dimension, and function is crucial for radiologists, cardiologists, and cardiac surgeons. This review describes the normal anatomy of the LAA as visualized through multiple imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and echocardiography. Special emphasis is devoted to a discussion on how the morphological characteristics of the LAA are closely related to the likelihood of developing LAA thrombi, including insights into LAA embryology.
Original languageEnglish
Article numbere20575
JournalHeliyon
Volume9
Issue number10
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Oct 2023

Keywords

  • Atria
  • Cardiac imaging techniques
  • Computed tomography
  • Echocardiography
  • Left atrial auricle
  • Magnetic resonance imaging

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