Global left atrial dysfunction and regional heterogeneity in primary chronic mitral insufficiency

Abstract

LA filling during ventricular systole (reservoir function), LA contraction (booster pump function), and ejection fraction were significantly impaired in patients with chronic MR. Regional differences in LA contractility at the anterior wall were noted presumably due to the eccentricity of the systolic anteriorly directed MR jet hitting the anterior wall and altering local wall mechanics.