Evaluation of left atrial echocardiography parameters in patients without atrial fibrillation but with High CHA2DS2-VASc score

The CHA2DS2-VASc score is used to determine the risk of embolism and the need for anticoagulant use in patients with atrial fibrillation. Functional and structural remodeling of the atria is responsable for atrial fibrillation formation and maintenance. By detecting the diameter, area, volumes and strains of the left atrium (LA) with echocardiography, atrial dysfunction can be detected early in patients with high CHA2DS2-VASc scores who have not developed atrial fibrillation yet, and its prevalence and morbidity can be reduced by early and effective control of possible risk factors. 149 patients included in the study were divided into groups with CHA2DS2-VASc scores of 2-4 and >4; LA size, area, volume, phasic functions and strains were compared. All of the CHA2DS2-VASc parameters were more common in the CHA2DS2-VASc(5-9) group, except female gender (p<0,05). In the high-score group; LA diameters, volume, volume index and areas, LAVmax, LAVpreA, LAVmin were higher; LA total and active ejection fraction showing phasic function was lower (p<0,05). Strain findings-PALS, LAScd, LASct- were decreased in the group with CHA2DS2-VASc(5-9); left atrial stiffnes (Last) was found to be increased in the high score group (p<0,05). There was a positive high degree correlation between CHA2DS2-VASc score and LA diameter, LA volume and LAst, while a negative moderate correlation was found with PALS and LAScd. In conclusion, CHA2DS2-VASc score is an embolic risk scoring system that can be calculated easily and quickly in daily practice; when evaluated together with the echocardiographic parameters we use to determine left atrial size and function, we can obtain predictive information about prognostic and possible outcomes in different gender, age and patient groups. Parameters showing a high correlation with the CHA2DS2-VASc score are LA diameter, LA volume, and LAst; It may be beneficial to use in clinical practice when we want to predict atrial remodeling in patient groups with high CHA2DS2-VASc scores who have not yet developed