LA Volume Index (LAVI) Calculator
Left Atrial Volume Index
Calculate left atrial volume and indexed left atrial volume using the biplane area-length method.
Left Atrial Volume Index
Left atrial volume index (LAVI) represents left atrial volume indexed to body surface area. It is an established echocardiographic measure of left atrial size and is commonly incorporated into the assessment of left ventricular diastolic function.
This calculator uses the biplane area-length method. Left atrial areas are measured from the apical four-chamber and two-chamber views, while the shorter of the two measured long-axis lengths is used in the volume calculation.
L = shorter of L4C and L2C
LAVI = LA Volume ÷ BSA
Measurement Technique
LA volume should be measured at ventricular end-systole, when the left atrium reaches its maximum size. The LA endocardial border should be traced in both the apical four-chamber and two-chamber views. The left atrial appendage and pulmonary veins should be excluded from the tracing.
LA length should be measured from the center of the mitral annulus to the inner edge of the most distant superior left atrial wall. The A4C and A2C lengths should be within 5 mm of each other. For the area-length method, the shorter of the two lengths is used.
Clinical Context
Increased LAVI may reflect chronic left atrial remodeling and the cumulative effects of elevated left ventricular filling pressures. LAVI should be interpreted together with other clinical and echocardiographic parameters rather than used as a standalone estimate of left ventricular filling pressure.
The biplane disk summation method is generally preferred for two-dimensional LA volume quantification because it involves fewer geometric assumptions. This calculator specifically implements the biplane area-length method.
Avoid foreshortening of the left atrium. If the A4C and A2C long-axis lengths differ by more than 5 mm, the apical images should be reevaluated before relying on the calculated LA volume.
References
- Lang RM, Badano LP, Mor-Avi V, et al. Recommendations for Cardiac Chamber Quantification by Echocardiography in Adults: An Update from the American Society of Echocardiography and the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging. J Am Soc Echocardiogr. 2015;28(1):1-39. doi:10.1016/j.echo.2014.10.003.
- American Society of Echocardiography. Guidelines for Performing a Comprehensive Transthoracic Echocardiographic Examination in Adults. American Society of Echocardiography.
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