Left atrial thrombus detection with multiplane transesophageal echocardiography: An echocardiographic study with surgical verification

Abstract

Background and aim of the study: The detection of left atrial thrombus (LAT) is especially important in patients being evaluated for percutaneous mitral valvuloplasty and elective cardioversion for atrial fibrillation. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is widely used for this indication. This study was undertaken to validate the use of multiplane TEE to detect LAT in the setting of rheumatic mitral valve disease.