Atrium size

                                                            Hi                                                        On my first echo left atrium was 4.0cm with normal limits of 2.0--4.0cm.On the report says under the heading of left atrium/pulmonary veins "The left atrial cavity appears mildly dilated".Also on the report says that I have trivial tricuspid and mitral valve regurgitation.Tricuspid valve regurgitant velocity is 200.0 cm/s and RV systolic prssure is 21mmHg.On the second echo (at different doctor) LADs was 3.8cm with normal limits of 2.0--4.0cm.When I asked a doctor if left atrium is dilated, he said no.He also told me that valves are normal.Questions.1.What does "The left atrial cavity appears mildly dilated" mean and is it dilated because of trivial tricuspid and mitral valve regurgitation?2.How significant is tricuspid valve regurgitant velocity of 200.0cm/s and RV systolc pressure of 21 mmHg?Well, I know that LVIDd enlarges because of physical activity(fitness) and LVPWd and IVSd follow to a lesser extent.3.Does left atrium also enlarges with physical fitness on the level of LVIDd or LVPWd and IVSd?Thank you.Anthony
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Dear Anthony,
Thank you for your question. Remember that when a doctor orders a test and gives you the results he/she has an obligation to explain them to you.  If you are not completely satisfied with their answers set up a time to sit down and go over things with him/her.
That being said left atrium size can be affected by valvular abnormalities and is not influenced by physical activity.  Mildly dilated means only minor or little dilation.  Regurgitant velocity and RV systolic pressure are measures of the filling pressures of the heart and yours were in the normal range.

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