Echocardiographic assessment of left atrial appendage thrombosis
This article deals with echocardiographic assessment of thrombi in the left atrial appendage in patients with various cardiac disorders. The potential of transesophageal echocardiography in the evaluation of the spontaneous contrast enhancement effect is demonstrated. Spectral and pulse Doppler ultrasonography permits assessment of the function of the left atrial appendage, while three-dimensional echocardiography is valuable for identification of appendage thrombosis. A complex approach to the diagnosis of thrombi in the left atrial appendage with the help of various echocardiographic techniques will allow clinical practitioners to prevent the development of cardioembolic events in patients with various disorders, thus exerting a favourable effect on the prognosis and quality of life of this patient population.