Key result
The left atrial ridge was present in 59.5% of 200 autopsied human hearts and was significantly wider and thicker at its inferior sector compared to its superior sector.
Why the study?
The left atrial ridge can be misdiagnosed as a thrombus, serve as an arrhythmia source, and pose an obstacle during ablation procedures, requiring better data on its occurrence and morphometrics.
Cross-Sectional (n=200)
The left atrial ridge is present in approximately 60% of humans and exhibits significant regional variations in width and thickness, which is important for avoiding complications during left atrial interventions and misdiagnosis in imaging.
Left atrial ridge variations may influence ablation safety; leaves open need for in vivo validation before practice implications.
BACKGROUND: The left atrial ridge is a structure located in the left atrium between the left-sided pulmonary veins ostia and the orifice of the left atrial appendage. Since it was commonly misdiagnosed as a thrombus, the ridge is also known as the "coumadin" or "warfarin" ridge. The left atrial ridge is a potential source of arrhythmias and can be an obstacle in ablation procedures. This study aimed to provide information about the occurrence and spatial morphometric characteristics of the left atrial ridge. METHODS AND RESULTS: The macroscopic morphology of the left atrial ridge was assessed in 200 autopsied human hearts. The ridge was observed in 59.5% of specimens and was absent in the remaining 40.5% of cases. The mean length of the ridge was 22.4 ± 5.1 mm. It was wider at its inferior sector when compared to its superior sector (9.1 ± 5.0 vs 7.9 ± 3.2 mm; P = .028). The total wall thickness measured at the cross section of the ridge was significantly larger in the inferior than in superior sector (6.2 ± 3.5 vs 4.3 ± 1.8 mm; P < .001), although the myocardial thickness was significantly larger at the superior sector (3.1 ± 1.4 vs 1.9 ± 0.9 mm in inferior sector, P < .001). CONCLUSION: The left atrial ridge is a variable structure, present in 59.5% of humans. The ridge is significantly wider and thicker at its inferior sector, although the actual myocardial layer present within the ridge is thinner at this location. Knowledge about the left atrial ridge morphology is key in avoiding unnecessary interventions or complications during invasive procedures.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Piątek‐Koziej et al. (2019) reported a cross-sectional. Left atrial ridge was evaluated on Occurrence of the left atrial ridge. The left atrial ridge was present in 59.5% of 200 autopsied human hearts and was significantly wider and thicker at its inferior sector compared to its superior sector.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: