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Resumen La fibrilación auricular es la arritmia más prevalente en la práctica clínica, y se asocia con una morbimortalidad significativa, la cual, en parte, se explica por el riesgo de fenómenos embólicos. En la actualidad, el uso de anticoagulantes es el estándar de manejo en aquellos pacientes con riesgo embólico significativo (dado por un puntaje ≥ 2 en la escala CHA2DS2Vasc). Sin embargo, algunos pacientes tienen contraindicaciones que impiden recibir este tipo de tratamiento a largo plazo, en cuyo caso se considera el cierre percutáneo de la orejuela como medida para la disminución del riesgo de embolia. Al requerir una punción transeptal, la presencia de dispositivos de cierre de defectos del septo interauricular dificulta el procedimiento de manera significativa. Se presenta el caso de una paciente con contraindicación absoluta para recibir anticoagulantes debido a sangrado gastrointestinal y antecedente de cierre percutáneo de comunicación interauricular sometida a cierre percutáneo de orejuela como alternativa terapéutica a la anticoagulación.
Abstract Atrial fibrillation is the most prevalent arrythmia in clinical practice, associated with a significant morbimortality explained, in part, by the high risk of embolic phenomena. The use of anticoagulation is the standard of care in those patients with increased embolic risk (given by a score ≥ 2 in the CHA2DS2Vasc scale). However, some patients have contraindications to receiving this treatment long-term, in which case percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion can be considered as a means of decreasing their embolic risk. Because the procedure requires transeptal puncture, the presence of devices for atrial septal defect closure can difficult the technique. We present the case of a patient with absolute contraindication to anticoagulation therapy given gastrointestinal bleeding, with history of percutaneous closure of interauricular communication, who was treated with percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion as an alternative to oral anticoagulants.
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Objective:To analyze the safety and efficacy of left atrial appendage closure(LAAC)with Watchman in patients ≥85 years with atrial fibrillation(AF).Methods:515 elderly patients with atrial fibrillation, including 73 patients aged 85 years or older(85~91), who had undergone Watchman LAAC at Zhoupu Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Health Medical College from August 2016 to December 2020, were retrospectively analyzed.Of those ≥85 years, 44(60.3%)with transesophageal echocardiography records were assigned to the elderly group.Fifty-three patients aged 60 to 65 were selected as the control group.Differences in baseline data, intraoperative conditions, antithrombotic treatment plans and 1-year follow-up prognosis were compared between the two groups.Results:Compared with the control group, there was no difference in AF types, history of ischemic stroke/transient ischaemic attack(all P>0.05), but there were higher incidences of coronary heart disease and renal insufficiency, more severe heart failure, higher CHA 2DS 2-VASC(6.0±1.5 vs.3.6±1.5), HAS-BLED(3.2±1.2 vs.2.3±1.3)scores( t values were 7.682 and 3.871, respectively, P<0.05), and a lower one-stop surgery rate(6 cases or 13.6% vs. 27 cases or 50.9%, χ2=10.517, P<0.05)in the advanced age group.There was no difference in the diameter of the Watchman device, rate of device replacement, compression percentage and residual flow between the two groups during the perioperative period.The incidences of device-related thrombosis were 4.5%(2/44)and 3.8%(2/53)for the advanced age group and the control group, respectively, but the difference was not statistically significant( P>0.05). During the 12-month follow-up, there were no cases of ischemic stroke or intracerebral hemorrhage.Three died of heart failure and 1 died of cancer. Conclusions:LAAC with Watchman is safe and effective for patients over 85 years with AF, but the decision on the procedure should be based on careful assessment of patients' cardiac and renal function and general health.
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At present, the standard left atrial appendage occlusion procedure mainly involves two-dimensional imaging methods such as X-ray fluoroscopy and transesophageal echocardiography to guide the operation, which will lead to underestimation of the three dimensional structure of the left atrial appendage and the surrounding tissue, thus adversely affects the surgery. To solve this problem, a surgery assist system for left atrial appendage occlusion based on preoperative cardiac CT images is developed. The proposed system realizes the left atrial appendage parameter measurement based on cardiac CT image, and realizes the calculation of optimal delivery sheath trajectory and three-dimensional simulation of the delivery sheath movement on the basis of a novel delivery sheath trajectory model. The system is expected to provide precise guidance for left atrial appendage occlusion, improve the success rate and safety of the operation, and at the same time help reduce the difficulty of learning the operation, and facilitate the promotion of left atrial appendage occlusion.
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Humans , Atrial Appendage/surgery , Atrial Fibrillation/surgery , Cardiac Catheterization , Echocardiography, Transesophageal , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) over 75 years. A total of 82 patients with AF who underwent LAAO successfully in Beijing Anzhen Hospital from March 2014 to March 2019 were divided into two groups according to age: the elderly group (aged>75 years) and the young group (aged ≤75 years). Risk of perioperative complications and incidence of ischemic stroke and major bleeding during follow-up were retrospectively analyzed. The results showed that there were no significant differences in procedure-related ischemic stroke(0 vs.1.6%, P=0.768) and major bleeding (0 vs.1.6%, P=0.768) during perioperative period between the two groups. No complications as death or pericardial tamponade occurred in the two group. During a (25.9±15.9) months period of followed up, ischemic stroke event rate was 3.6/100 person-years in the elderly group and 4.9/100 person-years in the young group, respectively. Major bleeding event rate was 2.5/100 person-years in the elderly group and 0/100 person-years in the young group, respectively. Compared with the expected ones, the relative risk reduction (RRR) of stroke in the elderly group was more profound than that in the young group (32.0% vs. 25.0%), while the risk of major bleeding in the young group was significantly lower than that in the elderly group (RRR 100% vs. 56.9%). Therefore, LAAO might be suitable for stroke prevention in the elderly AF patients.
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@#Left atrial appendage occlusion is a common procedure for patients with atrial fibrillation history when they underwent cardiac surgery. Before the LAAOS Ⅲ research results, this operation has been lacking strong evidence-based support. LAAOS Ⅲ is a prospective, double-blind, international multicenter, randomized blinded trial. According to the results of LAAOS Ⅲ, the left atrial appendage occlusion can reduce the risk of stroke and systemic embolism. This article will perform detailed interpretation of LAAOS Ⅲ research.
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Abstract Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an increasing health care problem associated with thromboembolic risk about 5% per year, with high mortality and morbidity when associated to stroke. Oral anticoagulants (OAC) are the treatment of choice for preventing ischemic stroke in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). However, these drugs are associated with an increased risk of serious complications such an intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). In this context percutaneous closure of the left atrial appendage (LAA) is an effective therapeutic alternative to OACs, with an increasing success rate. Novel devices might allow or facilitate the procedure in some anatomically and technically complicated cases. Two patients with a complex morphology of the LAA, in which the LAmbre (Lifetech Scientific [Shenzhen] Co. Ltd.) device was implanted with good technical and clinical results are presented.
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Aged, 80 and over , Atrial Fibrillation/therapy , Cardiac Catheterization/instrumentation , Atrial Appendage/diagnostic imaging , Septal Occluder Device , Atrial Fibrillation/diagnostic imaging , Angiography , Echocardiography , Cardiac Catheterization/methods , Stroke/prevention & controlABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To study the cost-effectiveness of left atrial appendage occlusion(LAAC), rivaroxaban and warfarin in the prevention of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation, in order to explore the most appropriate economical medication model. METHODS: A total of 156 NVAF patients treated in the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University from July2016 to June 2018 were studied; they were divided into group A(LAAC), group B(rivaroxaban)and group C(warfarin)by random digital method.Markov model was used to analyze the drug economy of three methods to prevent stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation within one year, and sensitivity analysis was conducted to verify the stability of the results. RESULTS: The total cost of treatment in group C was significantly lower than that in the other two groups, while in group A it was significantly higher than in the other two groups, with statistical significance(P<0.05). ICER(A vs. B)was 91242.31 yuan/QALY,ICER(B vs. C)was 96706.25 yuan/QALY, and ICER(A vs. C)was 93323.81 yuan/QALY. So the drug economy of group A was better than that of the other two groups, and group B was better than group C. When the sensitive indicators selected changed, there was still a statistical difference in the total cost among the three groups(P<0.05), which indicated that the results of this study were credible. CONCLUSION: Compared with warfarin and rivaroxaban, LAAC may have more pharmacoeco-nomic effects on preventing stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation, but further studies with large sample sizes and longer follow-up cycles are needed.
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Objective: To investigate the value of real-time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (RT-3D-TEE) in percutaneous left atrial appendage (LAA) transcatheter occlusion (PLAATO) in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. Methods: Totally 62 patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation who underwent PLAATO were examined with two-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (2D-TEE), RT-3D-TEE and cardioangiography (CAG). The maximum diameter, minimum diameter and depth of LAA were measured and compared respectively. According to the maximum diameter of LAA measured with RT-3D-TEE, occluder with appropriate type was selected, and LAA occlusion was performed under the guidance of RT-3D-TEE and CAG. Follow-up was conducted after operation. Results: Occlusion was successfully performed in all 62 patients, the success rate was 100%, and the compression rate was (19.78±6.92)%. No serious complications occurred during the operation and follow-up period. There was significant difference of the maximum diameter of LAA measured with 2D-TEE, RT-3D-TEE and CAG (P=0.029). The maximum diameter of LAA measured with RT-3D-TEE was higher than that measured with 2D-TEE, while lower than that measured with CAG. There was no significant difference of the minimum diameter nor depth of LAA measured with 2D-TEE, RT-3D-TEE and CAG (both P>0.05). The maximum diameter of LAA measured with CAG (r=0.925), RT-3D-TEE (r=0.841) and 2D-TEE (r=0.716) were positively correlated with the size of occluder (all P≤0.001). Conclusion: RT-3D-TEE can be used for preoperative screening, intraoperative guidance and post-operative follow-up of PLAATO for non-valvular atrial fibrillation, which may accurately describe the shape of LAA and evaluate the effect of occlusion.
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Atrial fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia associated with significant mortality and morbidity secondary to thrombo-embolism. To prevent this thrombo-embolism oral anticoagulation therapy is the recommended treatment. In patients with contraindications to oral anticoagulation therapy, percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion device is indicated. TEE is essential to guide in all the stages of LAA device deployment. Right from pre-procedure screening, to guiding during deployment, to rule out any complications and post-procedure surveillance and monitoring long term outcomes.
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Stroke continues to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. Oral anticoagulation (OAC) provides protection against stroke and peripheral embolization in AF but significant proportion of patients could not be started on anticoagulation because of bleeding complications. Left atrial appendage harbors clot in about 90% of nonvalvular AF. The advent of left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) techniques has provided these patients with alternative to OAC for stroke prophylaxis. Multiple LAAO devices are currently available with Watchman and Amulet being the most commonly used in clinical practice. Randomized studies are available for Watchman device only. Data on Amplatzer Cardiac Plug, Amulet and Lariat devices are limited by the paucity of randomized data. Long-term data on different LAAO techniques are showing promising results. Device related thrombosis continues to be a serious complication associated with LAAO. Future studies should look into comparative effectiveness between different LAAO techniques, optimal patient selection, risk of complications, and anticoagulant treatment after LAAO. This article aims to provide current available evidence on efficacy and safety of different LAAO devices and future prospective.
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Humans , Atrial Appendage , Atrial Fibrillation , Hemorrhage , Mortality , Patient Selection , Prospective Studies , Stroke , ThrombosisABSTRACT
To explore the safety and efficacy of left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion under the guidance of local anesthesia and modified transseptal puncture technology by coronary sinus assisted positioning in patients with nonvavular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). Methods: A total of 16 NVAF patients received local anesthesia and percutaneous LAmbre or Amplatzer cardiac plug occluder implantation. There were 12 males and the patients mean age was at (71.0±6.0) years with CHA2DS2-VASc score at (4.1±1.5); all patients had walfarin contradiction or with walfarin related side effect. Transseptal puncture was conducted by coronary sinus catheter as the anatomic location marker. Results: All 16 patients finished transseptal puncture and no relevant complication occurred. 15/16 (93.8%) patients had successful LAA occlusion, 1 patient was abandoned because of LAA anatomic structure variation. The mean operative time was (65.0±23.0) min and the mean X-ray exposure time was (12.0±3.0) min. The mean diameter of occluder was (32.5±6.0)mm. Conclusion: LAA occlusion was safe and effective with local anesthesia and modified transseptal puncture technology by coronary sinus assisted positioning in relevant patients.
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Objective To investigate the feasibility and safety of modified percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion (PLAAO) under transthoracic echocardiographic (TTE) guidance without general anesthesia instead of transesophageal echocardiographic guidance.Methods A total of 14 patients who met the inclusion criteria underwent modified PLAAO guided by TTE instead of TEE without general anesthesia.Regular clinical follow-up observations of PLAAO-related major adverse events were done in the perioperative period.Results All patients were successfully implanted with left atrial appendage occluder device (Watchman) without device-related serious complications.Immediately occlusion success rate was 100％.No major adverse events occurred during hospitalization and follow-up.The mean operation time was 108 ± 22 min(range 75-150 min)and the mean radiation exposure time was 15.8 ± 7.6 min(range 8-32 min).Conclusion Modified PLAAO guided by TTE instead of TEE without general anesthesia may be safe and effective.This method simplifies the operation process and is favorable for PLAAO application.But this modified PLAAO is still needed to be validated in more patients.
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Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common kind of arrhythmia,it is one of the main reasons causing ischemic stroke in aged patients.Left atrial appendage is the primary site where the thrombus is formed in non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients.Recent researches have indicated that occlusion of left atrial appendage can effectively reduce the occurrence of ischemic stroke in NVAF patients,its curative effect is no less than the preventive treatment effect of warfarin.The use of an ideal left atrial appendage occluder is the key to ensure a successful occlusion of the left atrial appendage.After decades of research,several left atrial appendage occluders have been developed,among them Watchman occluder and Amplatzer cardiac plug (ACP) are commonly used nowadays in clinical practice,and some kinds of occluder are still at their experimental research stage.This article aims to make a brief introduction about the current status of the study and the clinical application of left atrial appendage occluder.(J Intervent Radiol,2017,26:281-284)
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Objective To introduce a self-developed left atrial appendage occluder,LACBES,and to explore the clinical feasibility of using it for the occlusion of left atrial appendage (LAA).Methods Eight healthy canines were used in this experimental study.The LAA of each canine was occluded with LACBES occluder through trans-femoral vein approach.After the procedure of occlusion,the compression ratio of the occluder was calculated,the residual shunt was assessed by left atrial angiography.The left atrium pressure was monitored before and after the procedure,and the immediate effect of LAA occlusion on the left atrium pressure was statistically analyzed.Results Implantation of LACBES occluder was successfully accomplished in all the eight canines.The compression ratio of the occluders ranged from 10％ to 15％.Small amount of postoperative residual shunt was detected in one canine.After occlusion two canines died of procedure-related complications,including shifting of occluder and formation of hematoma at puncturing site.No device-associated death occurred.After occlusion,the left atrial systolic pressure increased instantly,which went up from preoperative (25.4±2.8) mmHg to postoperative (27.5±3.4) mmHg (P＜0.05),but it returned to the baseline of (25.4±2.8) mmHg within 15 minutes.Conclusion For the occlusion of LAA,the use of LACBES occluder carries higher instant success rate and lower residual shunt rate with less device-associated complications,although the left atrial systolic pressure has a transient rising immediately after the occlusion.Therefore,it is expected that LACBES will be able to be applied in clinical practice.
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Objective To evaluate the clinical application value of 2-dimentional transesophogeal echocardiography (2D-TEE) ,real-time 3-dimensional transesophogeal echocardiography(RT-3D TEE) and left atrial appendage CT angiography ( LAA CTA ) before percutaneous left atrial appendage closure ( LAAC) with the Watchman occluder . Methods Consecutive 50 atrial fibrillation ( AF) patients underwent 2D-TEE ,RT-3D TEE and LAA CTA examination before LAAC . The number of LAA lobes ,the diameter of landing zone (DLZ) and the depth of LAA were measured by using different methods . The correlation between LAA landing zone diameters measured by different methods and device size were calculated . Results Among 50 patients ,there was no significant difference in lobe nubmers between RT-3D TEE and LAA CTA ( P >0 .05) . The maximum diameter of landing zone(DLZ) from LAA CTA was greater than those from RT-3D TEE and 2D-TEE ( t =3 .977 ,5 .373 ,both P<0 .05) ,and DLZ from RT-3D TEE was greater than that from 2D-TEE ( t=2 .124 , P <0 .05) . The value measured by RT-3D TEE was greater than that by 2D-TEE for the LAA minimum DLZ ( t =2 .142 , P < 0 .05) . LAA depth:CTA value was greater than 2D-TEE and RT-3D TEE values( t =2 .674 ,4 .066 ,both P < 0 .05) ,and 2D-TEE value was greater than RT-3D TEE value( t =2 .114 , P <0 .05) . The correlation coefficient of LAA maximum ,minimum DLZ and LAA depth between 2D-TEE and RT-3D TEE were 0 .638 ,0 .734 ,0 .647 ( all P =0 .000) ,and 0 .517 ,0 .338 and 0 .591 between RT-3D TEE and LAA CTA ,respectively ( all P <0 .05) ,and 0 .503 ,0 .359 and 0 .610 between 2D-TEE and LAA CTA ,respectively ( all P < 0 .05) . LAA DLZ of LAA angiography ( LAA-A) was ( 22 .6 ± 3 .5 ) mm . Fourty-seven AF patients achieved successful LAA occlusion with Watchman device and the size of closure was ( 27 .5 ± 3 .3) mm . Correlation coefficient between the size of device and LAA maximum DLZ by RT-3D TEE ,2D-TEE and LAA CTA were 0 .693 ,0 .647 ,0 .586 , respectively (all P = 0 .000) . Correlation between LAA-A and the size of device was the closest ( r =0 .914 , P =0 .000) .Conclusions The difference in LAA size measured by TEE and LAA CTA could be significant ,and need to be considered before the LAAC . 2D-TEE , RT-3D TEE and CTA LAA measurements all could play important roles in the selection of proper Watchman device size ,and the maximum DLZ of RT-3D TEE has the closest correlation with Watchman device size .
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Objective To evaluate the application of real-time three-dimensional transesophogeal echocardiography(RT-3D TEE)in percutaneous left atrial appendage closure and its follow-up in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation.Methods Fifteen patients including 6 males and 9 females were refractory to percutaneous closure of left atrial appendage.The morphology of the left atrial appendage (LAA)in those patients was evaluated by RT-3D TEE.Combined with two-dimensional transesophogeal echocardiography(2D-TEE),RT-3D TEE was performed during the procedure of LAA occlusion,including the measurement of left atrial appendage,the selection of occluder,the puncture of atrial septal,the delivery and release of occlusive device.Finally,it was also used immediately to evaluate the effect of blocking and complications after the operation.The closure effect and related complication were also evaluated by RT-3D TEE at 3 months and 1 2 months followed up,respectively.Results Fifteen patients were successfully undergone the LAA closure procedures with LAmbre TM device.The dimension of LAA landing zone was (21.60±4.08)mm,the measurement of cardiac angiography(CAG)during the procedure was(20.91 ± 3.93)mm and finally the fixed plate size of LAmbreTMdevice was(26.13±4.69)mm.Correlation between the measurements by RT-3D TEE and selective angiography was significant(r =0.84,P =0.0001). Bland-Altman plot showed that 86.67% of plots were among limits of agreement.The width of the flow jet was <3 mm near the LAA closure device in 2 patients immediately after the procedure.At the 3 months and 1 2 months follow-up,the LAA closures had good morphology,fixed position,and no thrombus formation on the surface.There was still slight flow j et near the closure device in 2 patients at that time. Conclusions RT-3D TEE plays an important role in the procedure of left atrial appendage closure and its follow-up.There is better correlation and consistency between the measurements by RT-3D TEE and CAG.
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Left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion can be employed as an alternative treatment to oral anticoagulation in patients with atrial fibrillation to prevent embolic events. Atrial septal defect (ASD) may be related with right heart dysfunction and allow paradoxical embolism to occur. However, occlusion of both LAA through atrial access with ostium secundum ASD and ASD in the same setting is unusual. Therefore, we report a case in which a LAA and an ASD was sequentially occluded.
Subject(s)
Humans , Atrial Appendage , Atrial Fibrillation , Embolism, Paradoxical , Heart , Heart Septal Defects, AtrialABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the safety of left atrial appendage occlusion by silk thread ligation during open heart op‐eration in patients with rheumatic atrial fibrillation ,and to evaluate its effectiveness for prevention of cerebral embolism .Methods From April 2012 to March 2014 ,129 patients with rheumatic atrial fibrillation were undergone mitral valve replacement and left at‐rial appendage occlusion by ligation using two silk threads from the outside of the heart (ligation group) .The indexes related to the operation ,postoperative complications incidence ,and cerebral embolism incidence during the follow‐up period of ligation group were compared with the indexes of another 129 patients without ligation of left atrial appendage over the same period (control group) . Results The operation time ,the cardiopulmonary bypass time ,the clamp time ,the intensive care unit stay time ,the postoperative hospitalization time in ligation group were (235 ± 50)min ,(88 ± 24)min ,(57 ± 16)min ,(26 .5 ± 9 .3)h and (12 .4 ± 7 .5)d respective‐ly ,and significant difference was not found compared with control group (P>0 .05) .The thoracotomy for hemostasis(1 cases) ,low cardiac output syndrome(2 cases) ,acute renal failure(2 cases) ,pulmonary infection(3 cases) ,sternal wound dehiscence(2 cases) and other complications in ligation group had no significant difference ,compared with control group(P>0 .05);2 cases died in liga‐tion group ,3 patients died in control group ,the differences had no statistical significance(P>0 .05) .No cerebral embolism occurred in ligation group with 127 patients following‐up (23 .6 ± 11 .3) months ,but 5 patients suffered from cerebral embolism in control group with 126 patients following‐up (22 .9 ± 12 .1) months ,the difference had statistical significance(P<0 .05) .Conclusion Left atrial appendage occlusion by silk thread ligation during open heart operation in patients with rheumatic atrial fibrillation is simple and safe ,can reduce cerebral embolism incidence .
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Objective To explore the application value of 64-slice spiral CT cardiac enhancement scanning in the morphological as-sessment of left atrial appendage(LAA).Methods Patients were selected retrospectively between April 16,2013 and May 1,2013, including 142 patients with sinus rhythms underwent MDCT coronary angiography,25 patients with atrial fibrillation underwent MDCT pulmonary vein-left atrial angiography.All images were post-processed,datas were measured and the morphology of left at-rial appendage were classified into different types.Results 167 patients were enrolled,including 88 males and 79 femals,age 53.7± 8.9 years.Anatomical relationship of the orifice of left atrial appendage to left superior pulmonary vein(LSPV)were classified as high type (superior to LSPV,2.4%),middle type(parallel to LSPV,86.2%),low type(inferior to LSPV,11.4%).LAA orifice could be classified into three types including oval(162,97%),round-like(3,1.8%)and drop-like(2,1.2%).LAA morphology could be classified in four types including Cauliflower(35,21%),Windsock(41,24.6%),Cactus(7,4.2%),Chicken-wing(84, 50.3%).Patients with atrial fibrillation have a larger LAA volume than who with sinus rhythm.Conclusion 64-slice spiral CT car-diac enhancement scanning can provide a vivid and intuitive reference to the anatomy of LAA and its adjacent structures,and it can also provide quantitative evaluation of LAA anatomical parameters,so it may have a nice significance in the direction of LAA occlu-sion.