Methods One hundred and thirty-three patients with essential hypertension were divided into four groups according to criteria proposed by Ganau et al: 36 patients in normal pattern group (I)

34 patients in concentric remodelling pattern group (II)

33 patients in concentric hypertrophy pattern group (III)

and 30 patients in eccentric hypertrophy pattern group (IV). Thirty-two healthy volunteers were enrolled in this study. RT-3DE and LAT were used to obtain the volume-time and emptying fraction curves

and then the maximal volume

minimal volume

stroke volume

presystolic volume

ejection fraction

systolic filling rate

early diastolic emptying rate and late diastolic emptying rate of the left atrium were measured. Conduit volume and passive emptying volume of the left atrium were calculated.Results Left atrial indexes

conduit volume

passive emptying volume

and early diastolic emptying rate decreased

while the other indices increased in the group I compared with the control group (all P<0.05). Compared with the control group

I and II groups

the left atrial volume parameters manifested change in the group III and group IV (all P<0.01). Left atrial ejection fraction measured by RT-3DE or LAT

and late diastolic emptying rate were lower in the group IV compared with the group III (all P<0.05). There was no difference in left atrial conduit volume

passive emptying volume

and early diastolic left atrial emptying rate between the group II and group I (all P>0.05). There was a positive correlation between RT-3DE and LAT in evaluating left atrial function.Conclusions Left atrial booster pump function decreases in the eccentric hypertrophy pattern. Left atrial conduit function is unchanged in the normal pattern and the concentric remodelling pattern groups. RT-3DE and LAT technology can be used for quantitative evaluation of left atrial volume and function.