Two-dimensional echocardiographic imaging of left atrial appendage thrombi.

The utility of two-dimensional echocardiography in the diagnosis of left atrial thrombi is well documented. One major limitation of this technique, however, has been the failure to successfully image left atrial appendage thrombi. This report discusses the presumptive diagnosis in three patients of pathologically confirmed left atrial appendage thrombi using a modified short-axis parasternal two-dimensional echocardiographic view.