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Widened E point septal separation in a normal pediatric population
Insights
E point septal separation (EPSS) measurements reveal distinct age and gender patterns in normal individuals. Male adolescents exhibit wider EPSS than adult males and females, suggesting a potential link to androgen effects.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Echocardiography
- Human Physiology
Background:
- E point septal separation (EPSS) is an echocardiographic measurement reflecting left ventricular diastolic function.
- Understanding the normal age and gender distribution of EPSS is crucial for accurate clinical interpretation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the age and gender-specific distribution of E point septal separation (EPSS) in a normal population.
- To identify potential factors influencing EPSS variations across different age groups and sexes.
Main Methods:
- M-mode echocardiograms were analyzed from 121 healthy subjects.
- Subjects ranged in age from four months to 82 years.
- EPSS measurements were correlated with age and gender.
Main Results:
- A significant age-related difference in EPSS was observed: 3.0 +/- 2.6 mm in individuals under 20 years versus 1.4 +/- 1.8 mm in those over 20 years (p < .001).
- In females, EPSS showed minimal variation with age.
- In males, EPSS peaked between ages 15-19 and was significantly wider than in females within the 10-19 age group.
Conclusions:
- E point septal separation (EPSS) demonstrates a unique age and gender distribution, being wider in male adolescents compared to adults.
- The observed pattern suggests a potential influence of androgens on myocardial properties during male adolescence.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms behind these findings.
Abstract:
To determine the age and gender distribution of the E point septal separation (EPSS), M-mode echocardiograms were obtained from 121 normal subjects aged four months to 82 years. A small but consistent age factor was found. In subjects less than age 20, EPSS was 3.0 +/- 2.6 mm, whereas in those greater than 20 years, EPSS was 1.4 +/- 1.8 (p less than .001). In females EPSS did not vary appreciably at different ages. By contrast, in males EPSS increased with age, peaking between ages 15 and 19 and then decreasing. Between ages 10 and 19, EPSS was significantly wide in males than in females. Thus, EPSS is wide in male adolescents than in adults. The cause for this phenomenon is unclear, but judging from its age and gender distribution, it may be related to the effect of androgens on the myocardium.