Left Atrial Thrombus on Transesophageal Echocardiography

Study Overview
=================
Brief Summary
-----------------
The aim of the study is to assess the prevalence of left atrial thrombus in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) or atrial flutter (AFI), in whom transesophageal echocardiography is performed before AF/AFl cardioversion or ablation.

Detailed Description
-----------------
Atrial fibrillation (AF) and atrial flutter (AFI) increase the risk of thromboembolic events by promoting clot formation in the left atrium (LA). Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is routinely used to exclude the presence of an LA thrombus before AF/AFI ablation or cardioversion. So far, it has not been established what is the optimal combination of noninvasive parameters for thromboembolic risk stratification in this setting. The present study is aimed to compare the prevalence of LA thrombus in patients on different anticoagulant regimens, identify predictors of LA thrombus and validate the newly developed CHA2DS2-VASc-AF-GFR score (and to compare its predictive value in LA thrombus identification with those of the CHA2DS2-VASc and the CHADS2 scores). The study protocol all patients with AF or AFl in whom TEE will be performed (to assess their eligibility for cardioversion or ablation), hospitalized in a participating center during study period.

Official Title
-----------------
Left Atrial Thrombus on Transesophageal Echocardiography

Conditions
-----------------
Atrial Fibrillation, Atrial Flutter, Transesophageal Echocardiography, Ablation, Cardioversion, Thrombus; Embolism

Intervention / Treatment
-----------------
* Diagnostic Test: Transesophageal echocardiography


Participation Criteria
=================
Eligibility Criteria
-----------------
Inclusion Criteria: All patients with AF or AFl in whom TEE will be performed (to assess their eligibility for cardioversion or ablation), hospitalized in a participating center during study period.

Ages Eligible for Study
-----------------
Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 100 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
-----------------
All

Study Plan
=================
How is the study designed?
-----------------

Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| AF or AFl patients<br>Patients with AF or AFl in whom TEE will be performed (to assess their eligibility for cardioversion or ablation), hospitalized in a participating center during study period. | Diagnostic Test: Transesophageal echocardiography<br>* Transesophageal echocardiography will be used to exclude the presence of an LA thrombus before AF/AFI ablation or cardioversion.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
-----------------
Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Assessment of the prevalence of LA thrombus in patients with AF/AFI, in whom TEE is performed before AF/AFl cardioversion or ablation. |  | One day | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Comparison of the prevalence of LA thrombus in patients on different anticoagulant regimens. |  | Up to 12 months | 
| Identification of the predictors of LA thrombus. |  | Up to 12 months | 
| Validation of the the newly developed CHA2DS2-VASc-AF-GFR score (and to compare its predictive value in LA thrombus identification with those of the CHA2DS2-VASc and the CHADS2 scores). |  | Up to 12 months | 

 Terms related to the study
=================
Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
-----------------
Atrial fibrillation, Atrial Flutter, Transesophageal echocardiography, Ablation, Cardioversion, Thrombus; Embolism