ASSESSMENT OF LEFT ATRIAL APPENDAGE STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION BY TRANSESOPHAGEAL ECOCARDIOGRAPHY - A REVIEW

This article examines the transesophageal echocardiographic assessment of the left atrial appendage anatomy and function in individuals with out significant structural heart disease and in, those with atrial fib rillation with or without cardioembolism or mitral valve stenosis. We also summarize the available data in the usefulness of transesophageal echocardiographic studies in patients undergoing cardioversion for at rial fibrillation. and percutaneous balloon, valvuloplasty for mitral stenosis. Also, potential Limitations and ongoing developments in the use of transesophageal echocardiography in the assessment of the left atrial appendage are outlined, and recommendations are given for the u niform reporting of quantitative data.