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Updated: Feb 28, 2026
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Published on: July 20, 2022
Reference value of left and right atrial size and phasic function by SSFP CMR at 3.0 T in healthy Chinese adults
Weihao Li1, Ke Wan1, Yuchi Han2
1Cardiology Division, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610041, China.
Insights
This study establishes normal reference values for cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) measurements of the left atrium (LA) and right atrium (RA) in Chinese adults. Findings reveal significant impacts of age and gender on atrial size and function.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Cardiac Anatomy
- Reference Standards
Background:
- Left atrial (LA) and right atrial (RA) size and function are crucial prognostic indicators for cardiovascular diseases.
- Established normal reference values for LA and RA using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) are lacking in Chinese populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine normal reference values for LA and RA size and function in healthy Chinese adults using CMR.
- To investigate the influence of age and gender on these parameters.
Main Methods:
- Recruited 135 healthy Chinese adults (66 males, age 23-83 years) without cardiovascular risk factors.
- Utilized 3.0T CMR with steady-state free precession (SSFP) sequences for imaging LA and RA via short-axis (SAX) and long-axis slices.
- Measured atrial dimensions, volumes, and empty fractions (EFs) using SAX and area-length methods.
Main Results:
- Provided normal reference values for atrial dimensions, volumes, and EFs using both SAX and area-length methods.
- Area-length method underestimated volumes and overestimated LA EFs compared to the SAX method (P < 0.001).
- Males exhibited larger atrial dimensions and volumes; gender differences were observed in conduit and total EFs. Most parameters correlated with age.
Conclusions:
- Gender and age significantly impact LA and RA size and function in the Chinese population.
- These findings provide essential reference values for interpreting CMR in Chinese patients.
- Highlights the importance of considering demographic factors in atrial assessment.
Abstract:
The size and function of the left atrium (LA) and right atrium (RA) are related closely with the prognosis of cardiovascular diseases. However, their normal reference values, as measured by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), are not well established in Chinese populations. Healthy Chinese subjects (n = 135, 66 males, age 23-83 years) without cardiovascular risk factors were recruited. We imaged the LA and RA of all subjects using short axis and long axis slices by steady-state free precession (SSFP) sequences using a 3.0T scanner. The size and functional parameters were measured. Age and gender differences in LA were further explored. The normal reference values of atrial dimensions, volumes, and empty fractions (EFs) were provided by short axis (SAX) and area-length methods. Volumes and EFs derived by the area-length method showed correlated well with those derived by the by SAX method, but significantly underestimated the volumes (all P < 0.001) and overestimated the LA EFs (all P < 0.001). Atrial dimensions and volumes were generally larger in males. Conduit EFs and total EFs showed gender differences. Most atrial parameters correlated with age. In general, our results showed that gender and age have considerable impact on LA and RA size and function.
