Diagnostic accuracy of echocardiography for co-existing pathologies in atrial fibrillation patients: systematic review (2012)

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia.[1] It is common in the elderly and its prevalence is steadily increasing. [2] If left untreated, AF is a significant risk factor for stroke and other morbidities. Transthoracic echocardiography(TTE) is a procedure that allows imaging of the heart to identify structural and functional cardiac abnormalities. Currently, TTE is not routinely recommended in all patients with AF. By undergoing TTE, significant cardiac pathologies can be diagnosed earlier than would be anticipated in current practice.