What is the normal contraction velocity of the left atrial appendage?

What is the normal contraction velocity of the left atrial appendage?

• A. 0.2 m/s
• B. 0.4 m/s
• C. 0.6 m/s
• D. 0.8 m/s

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is the normal peak emptying velocity of the left atrial appendage, which reflects how well this structure contracts to push blood into the left atrium. Normal LAA contraction velocity is about 0.4 m/s (40 cm/s) as measured by Doppler echocardiography, typically during transesophageal studies. This value indicates preserved LAA function and a lower risk of thrombus formation. Values around 0.2 m/s suggest reduced LAA contractility and higher thromboembolic risk, while much higher values (0.6–0.8 m/s) are not the standard reference for normal LAA emptying velocity.

The main idea here is the normal peak emptying velocity of the left atrial appendage, which reflects how well this structure contracts to push blood into the left atrium. Normal LAA contraction velocity is about 0.4 m/s (40 cm/s) as measured by Doppler echocardiography, typically during transesophageal studies. This value indicates preserved LAA function and a lower risk of thrombus formation. Values around 0.2 m/s suggest reduced LAA contractility and higher thromboembolic risk, while much higher values (0.6–0.8 m/s) are not the standard reference for normal LAA emptying velocity.