Which statement about left atrial enlargement in aortic stenosis is true?

Which statement about left atrial enlargement in aortic stenosis is true?

• A. Left atrial enlargement is never seen
• B. Left atrial enlargement is always seen
• C. Left atrial enlargement is commonly seen
• D. Left atrial enlargement is irrelevant

Answer: (C)

In aortic stenosis the left ventricle faces increased afterload, and as the disease becomes chronic, filling pressures rise due to diastolic dysfunction. That higher LV filling pressure is transmitted back to the left atrium, causing it to dilate over time. So left atrial enlargement is commonly seen in chronic, longer-standing or more severe aortic stenosis. It’s not universal and not irrelevant—some patients with mild disease may have a normal LA size, while others show enlargement as the condition progresses.

In aortic stenosis the left ventricle faces increased afterload, and as the disease becomes chronic, filling pressures rise due to diastolic dysfunction. That higher LV filling pressure is transmitted back to the left atrium, causing it to dilate over time. So left atrial enlargement is commonly seen in chronic, longer-standing or more severe aortic stenosis. It’s not universal and not irrelevant—some patients with mild disease may have a normal LA size, while others show enlargement as the condition progresses.