Left and Right Atria: Frequent Imaging in ICU Patients

Abstract

The atria can go into dilation when stenosis or insufficiency of valvular apparatus occurs. The atrial kick contributes to a stroke volume of around 20%, and its contribution increases when there is diastolic dysfunction owing to the elevation of atrial pressure. An increased atrial volume is an independent predictor of adverse cardiovascular events, including stroke and congestive heart failure. Accordingly, accurate measurement of the atrial size has become increasingly relevant to clinical practice. Most clinical studies have used echocardiographic measurements, because echocardiography is the most accepted and best validated modality for atrial volume quantification.