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.