Abstract Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia encountered in clinical practice and is associated with serious complications such as stroke and heart failure. The prevalence of AF is increasing significantly due to population aging and related comorbidities. In addition, advances in technology — particularly the detection of AF through wearable devices such as smartwatches — have enabled earlier diagnosis. Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) is a valuable imaging modality in electrophysiology and hemodynamic labs and is well-supported by the literature.– […]

Abstract Background: Atrial Functional Mitral Regurgitation (FMR) is defined by mitral annular dilation and functional alterations without structural impairment of the leaflets or subvalvular apparatus. It is associated with higher cardiovascular mortality, being often characterized as an exclusion diagnosis due to the absence of more precise diagnostic criteria. Therefore, it is crucial to identify markers that distinguish it from other Mitral Regurgitation (MR) types. Objective: To assess the accuracy of the intercommissural diameter of the mitral annulus and its value […]

Abstract Percutaneous occlusion of the left atrial appendage (LAA) is an alternative to oral anticoagulation for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) or flutter who have high risk of cardioembolic events, but with a history or high risk of bleeding. In recent years, new generations of occluder devices have been developed, which, combined with greater experience of operators, have made it a safe procedure when properly indicated. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) plays a central role in assessing the morphology of the LAA, […]

Abstract Left atrial (LA) strain, obtained using two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2DSTE), has emerged as an accurate method for evaluating LA function. Recently, it has gained prominence in clinical practice due to its significant prognostic value in various cardiovascular diseases, standing out due to its greater sensitivity compared to traditional methods of volumetric analysis and Doppler parameters. This review article addresses the complex function of the LA and its close interdependence with left ventricular (LV) function, highlighting its relevance in […]

Abstract Secondary mitral insufficiency (MI) in the setting of ventricular disease has always been a topic at conferences and has achieved extensive pathophysiological knowledge over the years. More recently, with the increasing incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), a new phenotype that had been little discussed has come to light: atrial functional mitral regurgitation. In this entity, special attention should be addressed to the left atrium and the mitral annulus because, in early […]

Introduction In recent decades, the incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) has increased exponentially worldwide., This comorbidity is directly related to cardioembolic events, and oral anticoagulation is considered the gold standard treatment for its prevention. Although oral anticoagulation is effective in preventing ischemic stroke, warfarin is contraindicated in 14% to 44% of patients at risk for cardioembolic stroke; nevertheless, even in eligible patients, only 54% are anticoagulated. Currently, direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOAC) are preferable as preventive therapy for ischemic stroke; however, […]

Introduction Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a prevalent arrhythmia that can occur alone or in combination with other clinical conditions. Its onset interferes both in common diagnostic algorithms and in their respective protocol procedures. In diastolic function assessments by echocardiography, it drastically changes the analysis sequence. This relationship becomes even more complex because diastolic dysfunction is onc cause of non-valvular AF. A group of conditions called “special populations” or “situations” in diastology also modify study algorithms, especially but not exclusively sinus […]

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