Human heart atria and appendages: morphometry and clinical importance

Abstract

The aim of our study was to evaluate the main morphometric characteristics of human heart atria, atrial appendages, atrial septum, diameter of coronary sinus and terminal crest. 31 forensic autopsy case without any known cardiovascular pathology were examined. Serial anatomical indices were measured: the weight of the heart, the weight and the wall thickness of right, left atrium and atrial septum, the diameter of coronary sinus opening, the length of terminal crest. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 10.0 program. This study was approved by the Local Ethics Committee. The total mean (±SEM) weight of atrial part was 54±6.2 grams in men and 50±5.4 grams in women, or 17-19 percent of total heart weight. 5 basic configurations of the left atrial appendage (LAA) and 4 basic configurations of the right atrial appendage 9RAA) were relieved. The mean (±SEM) thickness of the wall of right and left atrium was 2.27±0.79 and 3.27±0.96 mm, respectively. The mean (±SEM) length of LAA was 38±2.4 mm and the mean (±SEM) diameter of RAA opening was 19.6±1.1 mm. The difference between the length and the diameter of the opening of RAA and LAA was statistically significant. The gross appearance of appendages, especially the left one, differs and some anatomical variations may be related to an increased risk for thrombus formation.