Transthoracic Doppler echocardiography for the assessment of left atrial appendage size and blood flow velocity: a multicentre study.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability of transthoracic Doppler echocardiography (TTE) in the assessment of left atrial appendage (LAA) size and function.

Methods: We considered 86 consecutive patients [56 male, 30 female; mean age 64 +/- 13 years, sinus rhythm 36 patients (42%); atrial flutter/fibrillation 50 patients (58%)] referred for transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and TTE. Maximum LAA transverse diameters and LAA peak flow velocities were calculated by two-dimensional and pulsed-wave Doppler analysis at TEE and TTE.

Reliability of cardiac dimensions and valvular regurgitation assessment by sonographers using hand-carried ultrasound devices.

Aim: We sought to assess the reliability of some basic echocardiographic data obtained by trained sonographers using a hand-held ultrasound device.

Methods: One hundred and twelve consecutive patients (mean age 61, 64 males) referred for in-hospital or ambulatory routine echocardiography were considered. All patients underwent two-dimensional and colour Doppler examination performed by a trained sonographer equipped with a hand-held ultrasound device and by a certified cardiologist equipped with a standard platform, in random order.