Effects of Giant Left Atrium on Thromboembolism after Mitral Valve Replacement

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of thromboembolic events in patients with giant left atrium (> 6.5 cm) after mitral valve replacement. From January 2000 to September 2002, a total of 126 patients who had undergone mitral valve replacement were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of giant left atrium. Group A comprised 34 patients with left atrium over 6.5 cm without compression symptoms and Group B comprised 92 patients. The preoperative variables did not distinguish the patients in each group, except for atrial fibrillation; Group A 85.2% and Group B 61.9% (p < 0.01). After mitral valve replacement, left atrium mean diameter was significantly decreased in Group A from 8.1 ± 1.3 mm to 6.2 ± 1.6 mm ( p < 0.01). There were no significant differences in thrombosis, hemorrhage and thromboembolism rates in both groups. Postoperative clinical and hemodynamic parameters demonstrated a positive clinical response to mitral valve replacement in patients with giant left atrium. During follow-up no direct relationship between thromboembolism and giant left atrium was evident.