The influence of left ventricular geometry on left atrial phasic function in hypertensive patients

Objective. We aimed to investigate left atrial (LA) phasic function in hypertensive patients with different geometric patterns using two-dimensional (2DE) and three-dimensional (3DE) echocardiography. Methods. This cross-sectional study included 213 hypertensive subjects who underwent a complete 2DE and 3DE examination. The new updated criteria for left ventricular (LV) geometry, which consider LV mass index, LV end-diastolic diameter and relative wall thickness, were applied. According to this classification, the subjects were divided into six groups: normal geometry, concentric remodeling, eccentric non-dilated left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), concentric LVH, dilated LVH and concentric-dilated LVH. Results. 2DE and 3DE LA volumes gradually increased from normal LV geometry to concentric and concentric-dilated LVH. LA reservoir and conduit functions, estimated by 2DE and 3DE LA total and passive emptying fractions, were decreased in subjects with concentric and concentric-dilated LVH. LA booster pump function was increased in patients with concentric, dilated and concentric-dilated LVH compared to subjects with normal LV geometry. The same results regarding LA phasic function were provided by 2DE strain analysis. Concentric, dilated and non-concentric dilated LVH were associated with LA enlargement independently of main demographic and clinical features. Conclusion. LV geometric patterns significantly influence LA phasic function. Concentric and dilated LVH patterns have the most prominent negative effect on LA enlargement assessed by both 2DE and 3DE.