Echocardiographic evaluation of the right atrial size and function: Relevance for clinical practice

Zhen-Yun Sun; Qiao Li; Jun Li; Ming-Wei Zhang; Ling Zhu; Jing Geng

doi:10.1016/j.ahjo.2023.100274

Echocardiographic evaluation of the right atrial size and function: Relevance for clinical practice

Am Heart J Plus. 2023 Feb 15:27:100274. doi: 10.1016/j.ahjo.2023.100274. eCollection 2023 Mar.

Authors

Zhen-Yun Sun¹, Qiao Li², Jun Li¹, Ming-Wei Zhang², Ling Zhu², Jing Geng²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Diagnostic Ultrasound, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, China.
² Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, China.

Abstract

Right atrial (RA) structural and functional evaluations have recently emerged as powerful biomarkers for adverse events in various cardiovascular conditions. Quantitative analysis of the right atrium, usually performed with volume changes or speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE), has markedly changed our understanding of RA function and remodeling. Knowledge of reference echocardiographic values and measurement methods of RA volumes and myocardial function is a prerequisite to introduce RA quantitation in the clinical routine. This review describes the methodology, benefits and pitfalls of measuring RA size and function by echocardiography based on the current understanding of right atrial anatomy and physiological function and provides the current knowledge of right atrial function in related cardiac diseases.

Keywords: Noninvasive RA pressure; Phasic function; Right atrium; Speckle-tracking echocardiography; Three-dimensional echocardiography; Tissue Doppler echocardiography; Two-dimensional echocardiography.

Publication types

Review