Left atrial passive function after aortic valve replacement in aortic stenosis

Background Aortic valve replacement (AVR) is the definitive treatment for severe symptomatic aortic stenosis (AS). Aortic stenosis is associated with diastolic dysfunction and left atrial (LA) enlargement. After a successful AVR, there is a decrease in LA size but persistence in diatolic dysfunction. We hypothesized that LA function would help link this discordance. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is the gold standard for assessment of the LA. We therefore aimed to test the effect of AS on LA function and the subsequent effects of an AVR on LA function. We hypothesized that, similar to diastolic function, LA function would not improve post-AVR and that the persistence in LA dysfunction might be related to expansion of the extracellular space.