Background: Hemostasis in the left atrial (LA) appendage (LAA) is an important cause in the formation of thrombi. Determination of the LAA flow velocity (LAAV) could be a quantitative parameter for estimating thromboembolic risk. The objective of this study was to: (1) determine the relationship between LAAV and qualitative parameters with elevated thromboembolic risk (thrombus/spontaneous echocontrast [SEC]); and (2) define factors that influence LAAV.
Methods: In all, 500 patients with stroke were examined consecutively by transesophageal echocardiography. In addition to measurement of the LAAV, the atrial appendage was examined for the presence of thrombi or SEC.
Results: LAAV differed significantly among patients with sinus rhythm (71 +/- 16 cm/s), paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) and in sinus rhythm during transesophageal echocardiography (46 +/- 13 cm/s), paroxysmal AF and AF during transesophageal echocardiography (32 +/- 12 cm/s), and chronic AF (27 +/- 9 cm/s, P < .001). Independent of the rhythm, the risk of thrombus/SEC increased significantly at an LAAV less than 55 cm/s. At an LAAV 55 cm/s or more there is only a minimal risk of thrombus/SEC (negative predictive value 100% and 99%, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that LAAV is the strongest predictor for the occurrence of thrombus/SEC (P < .0001). Further multivariate analysis showed that left ventricular ejection fraction, LA size, (paroxysmal) AF, age, and sex are independent parameters influencing LAAV.
Conclusion: Independent of the basic rhythm, there is a close relationship between LAAV and qualitative parameters of elevated thromboembolic risk. LAAV could, therefore, be a quantitative surrogate parameter for risk stratification. It is influenced by both cardiac and extracardiac factors.