Dynamic intracavitary left atrial echoes in mitral stenosis

Dynamic intracavitary echoes, which are associated with mural thrombi, have been described in the dysfunctional left ventricle of animals and humans. 1 This echocardiographic pattern, suggesting the presence of slow blood flow velocity, has been considered secondary to blood echogenicity occurring during stasis. In vitro studies have shown increased blood echogenicity during stasis 2 or slow flow velocity. 3 We have noted dynamic intracavitary echoes in the enlarged left atrium of some patients with mitral stenosis (MS).