Left Atrial Appendage Morphology among Egyptian Patients By Multi-Detector Computed Tomography

Abstract

SUMMARY T he left atrial appendage (LAA) was originally considered a relatively insignificant portion of cardiac anatomy. However, it is now well recognized as a structure with important pathological implications. It is the main source of thromboembolism in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation presenting with stroke. In recent studies, unique left atrial appendage morphologies and anatomical characteristics were associated with the risk of thromboembolic events. Therefore the study and recognition of a population’s left atrial appendage anatomy is of major clinical significance. Furthermore, the development of percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusive devices to reduce the risk of stroke emphasize the need for an accurate understanding of its anatomy. Optimal device sizing and selection prior to occlusion is of major importance, affecting procedure success and duration. The aim of this thesis was to study the morphology and anatomy of the left atrial appendage in the Egyptian population. The study was conducted on 252 consecutive Egyptian patients presenting for Coronary CT Angiography (CTA) using Cardiac Multi-Detector Computed Tomography (MDCT) in Cairo, Egypt, during the period from January to July 2017.