Left atrial enlargement

Left atrial enlargement (LAE) refers to the enlargement of the left atrium (LA) of the heart, and is a form of cardiomegaly. It is often a marker for disease elsewhere in the body, and can be a sign of a serious underlying medical condition, such as mitral valve disease or congestive heart failure.

Causes

The most common causes of left atrial enlargement are conditions that increase the pressure in the left atrium or left ventricle of the heart. These include hypertension (high blood pressure), aortic stenosis (narrowing of the aortic valve), and mitral valve regurgitation (leakage of the mitral valve).

Symptoms

Symptoms of left atrial enlargement can vary depending on the underlying cause. They may include shortness of breath, fatigue, palpitations, and chest pain. In some cases, left atrial enlargement may not cause any symptoms and may only be detected during a routine medical examination.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of left atrial enlargement typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. These tests may include an electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, and cardiac MRI.

Treatment

Treatment for left atrial enlargement typically involves treating the underlying cause. This may include medications to control blood pressure, procedures to repair or replace damaged heart valves, and lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise.

Prognosis

The prognosis for left atrial enlargement depends on the underlying cause and the overall health of the patient. With appropriate treatment, many patients can live a normal life. However, left atrial enlargement can increase the risk of stroke, heart failure, and other serious health problems.

See also

• Cardiomegaly
• Heart failure
• Mitral valve disease
• Atrial fibrillation