American Heart Journal Plus (Mar 2023)

Echocardiographic evaluation of the right atrial size and function: Relevance for clinical practice

  • Zhen-Yun Sun,
  • Qiao Li,
  • Jun Li,
  • Ming-Wei Zhang,
  • Ling Zhu,
  • Jing Geng

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 27
p. 100274

Abstract

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Right atrial (RA) structural and functional evaluations have recently emerged as powerful biomarkers for adverse events in various cardiovascular conditions. Quantitative analysis of the right atrium, usually performed with volume changes or speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE), has markedly changed our understanding of RA function and remodeling. Knowledge of reference echocardiographic values and measurement methods of RA volumes and myocardial function is a prerequisite to introduce RA quantitation in the clinical routine. This review describes the methodology, benefits and pitfalls of measuring RA size and function by echocardiography based on the current understanding of right atrial anatomy and physiological function and provides the current knowledge of right atrial function in related cardiac diseases.

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