Sex- and Method-Specific Reference Values for Right Ventricular Strain by 2-Dimensional Speckle-Tracking...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Echocardiography
• Cardiac Imaging

Background:

• Right ventricular longitudinal strain (RVLS) assessment is vital for patient diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment.
• Clinical implementation of RVLS is limited by a lack of uniform reference values and measurement methodologies.
• Standardizing RVLS measurement is essential for its effective clinical use.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish reference values for RVLS using 2-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (2D-STE).
• To investigate the relationship between RVLS and demographic, hemodynamic, and cardiac factors.
• To provide sex- and method-specific reference ranges for RVLS.

Main Methods:

• 2-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography was used to measure RVLS in 276 healthy volunteers.
• Both 6-segment and 3-segment regions of interest were analyzed for free wall and septum RVLS.
• Feasibility and reproducibility of different RVLS measurement methods were assessed.

Main Results:

• Reference values for 6-segment RVLS were -24.7±2.6% for men and -26.7±3.1% for women.
• Reference values for 3-segment RVLS were -29.3±3.4% for men and -31.6±4.0% for women.
• Age, sex, pulmonary systolic pressure, right atrial minimal volume, and atrial/ventricular longitudinal strain correlated with RVLS.

Conclusions:

• This study provides the largest dataset of sex- and method-specific reference values for RVLS.
• The established reference values can facilitate the clinical adoption of 2D-STE-derived RV analysis.
• Standardized RVLS assessment will improve diagnostic accuracy and patient management.