Left Atrial Function by Two-Dimensional Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography in Patients with Severe Organic Mitral Regurgitation: Association with Guidelines-Based Surgical Indication and Postoperative (Long-Term) Survival

BACKGROUND: Left atrial (LA) mechanics in patients with severe mitral regurgitation (MR) remain largely unexplored. The aim of the present evaluation was to assess the effect of severe MR on LA function, its potential relation with conventional surgical indications, and long-term postoperative survival. METHODS: Two-dimensional speckle-tracking strain and volumetric indices of LA reservoir, conduit, and contractile function were assessed in 121 …