Multimodality Imaging for Best Dealing With Patients in Atrial Arrhythmias

JACC Cardiovasc Imaging. 2019 Nov;12(11 Pt 1):2245-2261. doi: 10.1016/j.jcmg.2018.06.031. Epub 2019 Mar 13.

Abstract

The management of atrial fibrillation (AF) is not only a clinical challenge but also an imaging challenge. The role of different imaging modalities to estimate the thromboembolic risk in AF is a key clinical question. The present review summarizes the advances of myocardial imaging in the stratification of thromboembolic risk, diagnosis, and management of left atrial thrombosis in patients with AF. These imaging techniques are also important for understanding arrhythmias and their consequences. It is becoming fundamental for guiding therapy. Still, large studies are required, but be sure that left atrial imaging will become more and more clinically fundamental.

Keywords: atrial fibrillation; cardiac magnetic resonance; echocardiography; electroanatomic mapping; strain.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Action Potentials
  • Atrial Fibrillation / diagnostic imaging*
  • Atrial Fibrillation / mortality
  • Atrial Fibrillation / physiopathology
  • Atrial Fibrillation / therapy
  • Atrial Function, Left
  • Echocardiography*
  • Electrophysiologic Techniques, Cardiac
  • Heart Atria / diagnostic imaging*
  • Heart Atria / physiopathology
  • Heart Rate
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Multimodal Imaging*
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Prognosis
  • Risk Assessment
  • Risk Factors
  • Thromboembolism / diagnostic imaging*
  • Thromboembolism / mortality
  • Thromboembolism / physiopathology
  • Thromboembolism / therapy
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*