Zuo K, et al. - Given that a key role of inflammation has been reported in the progression of atrial fibrillation and its related prothrombotic state and inflammatory burden can be readily indicated by the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), researchers evaluated the role of PLR in reflecting decreased left atrial appendage flow velocity (LAA-FV, reflective of blood stasis) and its correlation with impaired left atrial strain (left atrial strain is a manifestation of atrial remodeling). They performed echocardiography on 54 patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation to measure LAA-FV and left atrial strain. They also tested complete blood count to determine PLR. Findings revealed a lower PLR in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and with a decreased LAA-FV. It was also found to be correlated to left atrial strain, suggesting that inflammation does play a role in the progression of atrial remodeling and in the prothrombotic state.