Objectives: To evaluate the size and function of left atrium and left atrial appendage (LAA) by using transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients. Method: The authors examined 127 NVAF patients (at the mean age of 65.8 + or - 10.0) and 36 controls (at the mean age of 61.8 + or - 7.1) by transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography to determine the left atrial diameter, the left atrial volume index (LAVI), the left atrial ejection fraction (LAEF), the LAA area, the LAA flow velocity, the thrombus, the spontaneous echocardiographic contrast and the aortic atherosclerosis. Results: The LAA thrombus was found only in the patients with CHADS2 and CHADS2-VAS score or = 2. LAVI or = 38ml/m2, the diagnosis of the LAA thrombus has been expected with Se=80 percent and Sp=60 percent
the LAA area or = 5cm2, diagnosis of LAA thrombus with Se=73 percent and Sp=84 percent (p0.001). Conclusion: The size of the left atrial and LAA has increased in NVAF patients while their function has decreased. LAVI and LAA areas are predictors of the LAA thrombus.