Left atrial enlargement (LAE)

• View:
  Lateral
  
  
• Defining characteristics:
  A bulge at the dorsocaudal cardiac border, straightening at the caudal heart border, widening of the cardiac silhouette at the base of the heart
  
  
• Common differential diagnoses:
  Decompensation of the left heart
  
  
• Helpful additional data:
  History of cough or collapse?Evidence of LAE or CHF?
  
  
• Commonly associated diagnostics:
  Consider thoracic ultrasound if available
  
  
• Commonly associated treatments:
  Consider thoracic ultrasound if available
  
  
• Commonly associated treatments:
  Possible diuretics or other cardiac Rx
  
  
• Commonly associated home care:
  Rx, monitor for coughing, collapse, labored breathing.