Evaluation of left atrial volume and function by real time three-dimensional echocardiography in anemic patients without overt heart disease before and after anemia correction

AbstractThere are few data on the effects of low hemoglobine levels on the left atrium (LA) in anemic patients. Our aim was to evaluate left atrial (LA) volume and functions in anemic patients using real time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE) and also to investigate changes in variables of LA after the correction of anemia. In total, 55 iron-deficiency anemia patients without traditional cardiovascular (CV) risk factors and 30 age- and gender-matched controls were studied. Assessments included history, physical examination and echocardiography. Of the 55 patients with anemia enrolled, 50 (39 females and 11 males 40.3  years) were followed and underwent echocardiography after correction of the anemia. LA maximum volume (LAVmax), LA minimal volume (LAVmin), LAVmax index (LAVI), before atrial contraction volume (LAVpreA), LA total emptying fraction, LA active emptying volume were higher in anemic patients. LA pass ive emptying fraction was significantly lower in anemic patients. Following correction of anemia, LA volume and function parameters were observed to be significantly reduced. Moreover, significant increase was noted in LA passive emptying fraction. Correlation analysis was performed and a significan t negative correlation was noted between the percentage change in hemoglobin level and percentage change in LAVI (r = − 0.382, p = 0.003). It was shown that volume and functions of LA are impaired in anemic patients. However impaired parameters were im...
Source: The International Journal of Cardiovascular Imaging - Category: Radiology Source Type: research