Comparative analysis of left atrial size and appendage morphology in paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation patients

FIGURE 1. Demonstration of measurement data. The presented image depicts the most important dimensions of the LA and LAA in three‐dimensional reconstructed images obtained through CCTA. The numerical values labeled alongside the dotted lines denote distinct measurements. 1: septum‐orifice distance, 2: distance of the mitral valve annulus to the LA roof, 3: LA depth, 4: max. ostial diameter of the RSPV, 5: minimal ostial diameter of the RSPV, 6: area of the RSPV, 7: roof top line, 8: roof bottom line, 9: posterior wall box height, 10: maximal LAA width, 11: maximal LAA depth, 12: maximal LAA height, 13: maximal diameter of the LAA ostium, 14: minimal diameter of the LAA ostium, 15: area of the LAA ostium, 16: distance to the first bend, 17: max. LAA length, 18: posterior wall box area. LA, left atrium; LAA, left atrial appendage; LIPV, left inferior pulmonary vein; LSPV, left superior pulmonary vein; RIPV, right inferior pulmonary vein; RSPV, right superior pulmonary vein.

FIGURE 2. LAA morphology. The presented illustration portrays the various morphological types of the LAA as defined by Wang 6 and characterized by Kimura's quantitative qualifiers. 7 Based on the number of lobes and length of the LAA, it was categorized into four types: Windsock, chicken‐wing, cactus, and cauliflower. The predominant distribution of LAA types observed in the study is also presented. LAA, Left atrial appendage.

FIGURE 3. Selection criteria. This flow chart explains the selection protocol of the study population. The top box shows the number of all patients included at the beginning. Each branching demonstrates one step of selection. CCTA, cardiac computed tomography angiography.