Multidetector computed tomography vs multiplane transesophageal echocardiography in detecting atrial Thrombi in patients candidate to radiofrequency ablation of atrial fibrillation.

摘要

Multiplane transesophageal echocardiography (MTEE) is considered the method of choice for left atrial appendage (LAA) evaluation and represents the gold standard for the detection of left atrial thrombosis [1 ]. The exclusion of atrial thrombosis is mandatory in patients undergoing cardioversion (CV) or radiofrequency ablation (ATC) of atrial fibrillation and flutter. New generation multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) scanners have dramatically improved spatial resolution, allowing an accurate reconstruction of left atrium (LA), LAA and pulmonary vein anatomy [2,3], However, the accuracy of MDCT in the detection of LAA thrombosis is controversial [4-8]. Aim of our study was to compare the accuracy of MDTCA versus MTEE in detecting atrial thrombosis in patients undergoing ATC or CV of atrial arrhythmias.