BACKGROUND: There are no established predictors of post-operative atrial fibrillation (POAF) in non-cardiac thoracic surgery. Pre-operative left atrial imaging has been shown to identify patients with POAF undergoing cardiac surgery. The purpose of this study was to determine whether pre-operative left atrial strain (LAS) predicts POAF in patients undergoing lung resection. METHODS: One hundred forty-nine patients who underwent cancer lung resection were retrospectively analyzed. Pre-operative imaging involved conventional transthoracic echocardiography with comprehensive speckle-tracking strain. The additional advanced LAS analysis involved three components of atrial function: reservoir, conduit, and booster. RESULTS: POAF occurred in 17 (11.4%) patients. We found no differences in demographics and peri-operative variables. Patients with POAF were more likely to have atrial fibrillation history (6.8% vs. 29.4%, p = 0.003). Preoperative imaging analysis revealed an increased LA volume index in patients with POAF (25.9 ± 8.8 vs. 32.3 ± 11.9 mL/m CONCLUSION: Reduced LAS metrics are more specific and sensitive than conventional demographics and standard echocardiography in predicting POAF. Preoperative LA imaging might aid with identifying patients undergoing lung resection who are high-risk and benefit from prophylactic therapy.