The Significance of Echocardiographic Evaluation in Atrial Fibrillation

The echocardiographic examination has emerged as an essential part in the evaluation of atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. When evaluating and treating patients with atrial fibrillation, transthoracic echocardiography continues to be important. TEE gives an excellent view of the atrium and amply illustrates or rules out thrombus. For the purpose of determining the dimensions and function of the left atrium and left ventricle, as well as the various conditions that may predispose to atrial fibrillation, such as cardiomyopathy, pericardial disease, and congenital heart defects, transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) must be used in conjunction with two-dimensional (2D) and Doppler studies in the initial evaluation of all patients with atrial fibrillation.