Which of the following conditions can cause right atrial enlargement?

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following conditions can cause right atrial enlargement?

Right atrial enlargement happens when the right heart experiences pressure or volume overload. Pulmonary hypertension raises the pressure in the pulmonary arteries, which increases the afterload on the right ventricle and backing up pressure into the right atrium. Over time, the right atrium dilates to accommodate the higher pressures and volumes, so enlargement of the RA is a common consequence. The other options mainly affect the left side of the heart. Systemic hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy increase left-sided pressures, leading to left atrial enlargement rather than the right. Aortic stenosis, by causing LV pressure overload and LV hypertrophy, likewise stresses the left heart and can lead to left-sided valve and chamber changes, not primarily right atrial enlargement.

Right atrial enlargement happens when the right heart experiences pressure or volume overload. Pulmonary hypertension raises the pressure in the pulmonary arteries, which increases the afterload on the right ventricle and backing up pressure into the right atrium. Over time, the right atrium dilates to accommodate the higher pressures and volumes, so enlargement of the RA is a common consequence.

The other options mainly affect the left side of the heart. Systemic hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy increase left-sided pressures, leading to left atrial enlargement rather than the right. Aortic stenosis, by causing LV pressure overload and LV hypertrophy, likewise stresses the left heart and can lead to left-sided valve and chamber changes, not primarily right atrial enlargement.

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