[Flow in the entry chamber of the right ventricle: diastolic function indexes in a normal population]

To define normal values of indexes of diastolic function of right ventricle by bidimensional pulsed doppler echocardiography.

Prospective study of normal individuals.

Thirty normal subjects by physical examination, electrocardiographic, radiological and echocardiographic criteria, aged between 22-48 (mean 31.2 +/- 6.7) were evaluated. We determined 16 different indexes and correlated them with heart rate, age and body surface; 27% of cases owing to the poor quality of records, were excluded.

Eight indexes were heart rate dependent and for their use is necessary the respective correction; none of them correlated with age or body surface. Areas determined under the curves of flow are very time consuming and require great accuracy determination. So, we had correlated areas with other different indexes in order to obtain other parameters to give us the same information on a easier and quickly way. E/A relation correlated with all areas relations.

The indexes determined can be considered as normal standard in order to evaluate, by a non-invasive way, right ventricle diastolic function. Nevertheless, the great proportion of records of poor quality is a limitation of the method.