Reference values for mitral and tricuspid annular dimensions using two-dimensional echocardiography.

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Echocardiography
• Geriatric Medicine

Background:

• Limited normative data exists for mitral annular (MA) and tricuspid annular (TA) dimensions.
• Accurate dimensions are crucial for diagnosing atrioventricular valve regurgitation and surgical planning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish normal MA and TA dimensions in healthy individuals over 60 years of age.
• To provide gender-specific reference ranges for these annular dimensions.

Main Methods:

• Transthoracic echocardiography was used to measure MA and TA dimensions in end-systole and end-diastole.
• Data was collected from 480 healthy subjects (mean age 70±7 years), with exclusions for relevant pathologies.
• Measurements were analyzed for gender-specific differences.

Main Results:

• Annular dimensions were significantly larger in men than women and greater at end-diastole than end-systole (P<0.05).
• Mean end-systolic MA diameters were 3.44 cm (M) and 3.11 cm (F); end-diastolic were 3.15 cm (M) and 2.83 cm (F).
• Mean end-systolic TA diameters were 2.84 cm (M) and 2.80 cm (F); end-diastolic were 3.15 cm (M) and 3.01 cm (F).

Conclusions:

• The derived reference ranges for MA and TA dimensions differ from current standards.
• These new ranges can improve the distinction between normal and pathological findings.
• This data will assist in identifying the etiology and mechanism of atrioventricular valve regurgitation.