EKG in left atrial enlargement

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Overview
Left atrial enlargement may be observed among patients with pressure or volume overload of the left atrium. See the differential diagnosis below for a list of associated conditions.

Differential Diagnosis of Left Atrial Enlargement

 * Atrial aneurysm
 * Infective endocarditis
 * Left heart failure
 * Mitral regurgitation
 * Mitral stenosis
 * Mitral valve prolapse
 * Myxedema
 * Patent Ductus Arteriosus
 * Ventricular septal defect

EKG in Left Atrial Enlargement

 * Criteria for left atrial enlargement. Either;
 * P wave with a broad (>0.04 sec or 1 small square) and deeply negative (>1 mm) terminal part in V1
 * P wave duration >0.12 sec in leads I and / or II

Chest X-ray in Left Atrial Enlargement
In general;


 * Double density sign: Occur when the right side of the left atrium pushes into the adjacent lung.
 * Convex left atria appendage: usually reflect prior rheumatic heart disease
 * Splaying of the carina
 * Posterior displacement of the left main stem bronchus on lateral radiograph
 * Superior displacement of the left main stem bronchus on frontal view
 * Posterior displacement of a barium filled esophagus

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