The aim of the research was to evaluate prevalence of potential thromboembolic markers and morphofunctional characteristics of myocardium by transesophageal echocardiography in patients with long-term atrial fibrillation. The most prevalent findings of thrombogenesis in these patients are following: low average left atrial appendage velocity, dense echo contrast and complex atheromas in aorta more than 4 mm. These markers are associated with structural changes in myocardium, such as: severe left atrial dilatation, moderate or severe systolic and diastolic dysfunction, mild to moderate relative mitral insufficiency. Possibility to detect thromboembolic markers makes method of transesophageal echocardiography indispensable in high-risk patients.
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