Assessment of left atrial function in patients with mitral valve diseases

Objective: To observe and assess left atrial (LA) function by observing the differences in conventional Doppler echo parameters of left ventricular inflow and LA appendage among patients with mitral valve disease. Methods: A total of 43 mitral valve disease patients appearing consecutively for echocardiogram (ECHO) test at the cardiology department in a tertiary care hospital were recruited into the study as per the pre-set inclusion and exclusion criteria. The data from the ECHO were pooled using Microsoft Excel and analyzed using SPSS software by application of appropriate statistical tests. Results: Of the 43 objects, 39 had multiple sclerosis (MS), 3 had magnetic resonance (MR), and 2 of them were found to have both MS and MR. The major presenting symptom as observed in 33 patients was dyspnea. LA maximum volume was found to be 91±59 ml and minimum was 66±51 ml. LA expansion index was 128±91. LA active emptying fraction was 29±13, and passive emptying fraction was 31±15. No significant change in LA global strain among groups with MR and without MR was observed. Further, no significant difference was observed in LA indices such as LA emptying fraction, LA passive emptying fraction, atrial fraction, and LA expansion index among groups having MR and no MR. Conclusion: LA contractile, reservoir, and conduit function were significantly reduced in mitral valve diseases due to increased hemodynamic load. No significant difference was noted in global LA strain irrespective of MS or MR.