Z-values of tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion in Japanese children

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Cardiology
• Echocardiography
• Cardiovascular Physiology

Background:

• Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) is a key echocardiographic measure of right ventricular systolic function.
• Establishing normative data for TAPSE is crucial for accurate pediatric cardiovascular assessment.
• Growth-related standard values and z-values for TAPSE in Japanese children were previously lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish growth-related standard values and z-values for TAPSE in healthy Japanese children and adolescents.
• To provide a reference for assessing right ventricular systolic function in pediatric populations.
• To determine the relationship between TAPSE, age, body size, and gender.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 953 healthy Japanese children and adolescents (newborn to 22.7 years).
• M-mode echocardiography was used to measure TAPSE.
• Right ventricular stroke volume (RVSV) divided by body surface area (BSA) was calculated as an indicator of body size.

Main Results:

• TAPSE showed positive correlations with age and body surface area, with values ranging from 6.0 to 31.4 mm.
• Z-values for TAPSE ranged from -3.63 to 3.17 and positively correlated with RVSV/BSA.
• No significant gender-based differences in TAPSE were observed.

Conclusions:

• Growth-related normal TAPSE values and z-values were successfully established for Japanese children.
• The TAPSE z-value serves as a valuable tool for evaluating right ventricular systolic function independent of body size.
• This study provides essential reference data for pediatric echocardiography in Japan.