Which condition is a common cause of left atrial enlargement?

Which condition is a common cause of left atrial enlargement?

• A. Coronary artery disease
• B. Mitral valve stenosis
• C. Aortic regurgitation
• D. Tricuspid valve insufficiency

Answer: (B)

Left atrial enlargement is commonly associated with mitral valve stenosis due to the increased pressure and volume load on the left atrium. In mitral valve stenosis, the narrowing of the mitral valve impedes blood flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle during diastole. This leads to the left atrium becoming enlarged as it continuously accommodates the backflow or pressure of blood from the pulmonary circulation, resulting from the obstructed outflow through the mitral valve.

Mitral valve stenosis is particularly linked to conditions such as rheumatic heart disease and can lead to complications like atrial fibrillation, which further emphasizes the importance of recognizing this condition as a primary cause of left atrial enlargement. Understanding the implications of structural heart changes is crucial for diagnosis and treatment in cardiology.