PREDICTING VALUE OF LEFT ATRIAL APPENDAGE THROMBUS IN NONVALVULAR ATRIAL FIBRILLATION PATIENTS BY CHADS2 AND CHADS2-VAS’SCORE AND BY TRANSTHORACIC ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC PARAMETERS

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate size and function of left atrium and left atrial appendage (LAA) by using transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients. Method: 127 NVAF patients (mean age 65,8 ± 10,0 years) were assessed by using CHADS2 and CHADS2-VAS score, transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiographic parameters. Results: CHADS2 ≥3, CHADS2-VAS ≥ 4 and LAVI ≥ 38ml/m2, diagnosis of LAA thrombus has been expected in turn with Se=67% and Sp=70%, Se=67% and Sp=71% and Se=80% and Sp=60%; With LEVF/LAVI ≤1,5, risk of LAA thrombus was OR=13,3; 95% CI (1,8 – 98,5) with p=0,001. Conclusion: CHADS2, CHADS2-VAS, LAVI and ratio LVEF/LAVI are predictors of LAA thrombus in NVAF patients. Key words: CHADS 2, CHADS 2 -VAS, left atrial appendage thrombus, thromboembolism, nonvalvular atrial fibrillation