Value of routine echocardiography in new-onset atrial fibrillation

We studied 100 patients with new-onset atrial fibrillation to assess the role of echocardiography in their initial cardiac evaluation. Clinical examination with routine laboratory tests and chest radiography was sufficient in establishing or excluding an underlying condition in 96% of the cases. Echocardiography uncovered a heart condition in three of 38 patients (8%) classified as having isolated atrial fibrillation, but this had no effect on short-term treatment. Routine echocardiography adds very little to a careful clinical examination in these patients.