![3-LAA-in-a-canine-heart](https://veranex.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/3-LAA-in-a-canine-heart.png)
YOU BE THE ANATOMIST!
What important anatomical structure has been highlighted here, and employing what imaging modality?
ANSWER
The left atrial appendage (LAA) in a canine heart!
This image was acquired using our 64-slice gated CT scanner with 3mensio 3D reconstruction software.
The LAA has been identified as a source of blood clots leading to thromboembolic stroke.
Technologies to occlude, isolate or ablate the LAA have been developed, and CT scan is the best way to have a complete 3D assessment of the LAA before any such interventional or surgical procedure.
Canines are known to be the only preclinical model to have a left atrial appendage resembling that in the human heart.