LA functional morphometry
Using a bi-plane approach of apical 4 and 2 chamber views, the LA endocardial surface was traced manually using a point and click approach after which an endocardial tracking was automatically performed by the VVI software (figure 1). The following parameters were determined to assess phasic LA volumes and function [14]: phasic LA maximal volume (LAmax), phasic LA minimum volume (LAmin), LA total emptying volume ,Conduit volume, LA reservoir function, LA Passive ejection fraction (PEF), and LA Active ejection fraction (AEF)