Characterization of left atrium and distal pulmonary vein morphology using multidimensional computed tomography.

Objectives: This study was designed to examine the dimensions and morphology of left atrial (LA) and distal pulmonary veins (PVs) using multidetector helical computed tomography (MDCT).

Background: Detailed knowledge of LA and PV anatomy will assist in the development of techniques for ablative intervention. Multidetector helical computed tomography is a method for multidimensional imaging of cardiac anatomy.

Methods: Multidetector helical computed tomography was used to image the LA and PVs in 70 subjects with and 47 subjects without atrial fibrillation (AF). Accuracy of the MDCT data was confirmed by correlation with echocardiography and endocardial electrogram recordings.

Results: Left atrial and PV dimensions were significantly larger in AF versus non-AF subjects, men versus women, and subjects with persistent versus paroxysmal AF. There were no differences between groups in morphologic detail.

Conclusions: Multidetector helical computed tomography images of the LA and PVs are accurate and provide detailed anatomic information. Significant differences in dimensions but not morphologic detail were apparent between groups.