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[Differences in reference values in 2-dimensional echocardiography in men and women]
Insights
Two-dimensional echocardiography standards reveal significant differences in cardiac dimensions between men and women. These findings highlight the importance of considering sex-specific values for accurate echocardiographic measurements.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Imaging
- Human Physiology
Context:
- Establishing reference values for echocardiographic measurements is crucial for accurate diagnosis.
- Two-dimensional echocardiography is a key non-invasive imaging technique in cardiology.
- Previous studies may not have adequately accounted for sex-based variations in cardiac dimensions.
Purpose:
- To establish reference standards for two-dimensional echocardiography measurements in a healthy adult population.
- To investigate potential sex-based differences in cardiac dimensions.
- To determine the reliability of various echocardiographic parameters.
Summary:
- This study examined 126 healthy blood donors (90 men, 36 women) to define two-dimensional echocardiography standards.
- Measurements included left ventricle, interventricular septum, posterior wall, left atrium, aorta, and right ventricle dimensions.
- Men exhibited significantly larger dimensions in several parameters compared to women, emphasizing the need for sex-specific reference values.
Impact:
- Provides essential normative data for interpreting echocardiographic findings.
- Highlights the necessity of incorporating sex-specific parameters in clinical practice and research.
- Contributes to improved accuracy in diagnosing and managing cardiovascular conditions.
Abstract:
A total of 126 voluntary blood donors (90 men, mean age 30 +/- 0.5 yrs, and 36 women, mean age 34 +/- 0.5 yrs) were examined to establish standards for two-dimensional echocardiography. The maximal width of the left ventricle (LV), the thickness of the interventricular septum (IVS) and of the posterior wall (PW) during systole (s) and diastole (d), the systolic dimension of the left atrium (LA) and the diastolic dimension of the aorta (Ao) and right ventricle (RV) were determined. The measurements were performed from the short parasternal axis. Significantly larger dimensions for LV(s), LV(d), IVS(s), IVS(d)(p less than 0.001) and for LA(s) and PW(d) (p less than 0.01) were measured in men as compared to women. No significant intersexual differences were observed in the other parameters studied or in their calculated ratios (LA/Ao, IVS/PW, ejection fraction and fractional shortening LV, IVS, PW). It can be concluded that exact measurements in correlation studies with two-dimensional echocardiography require corresponding parameter values for body surface area.