Normal reference values of left atrioventricular coupling index on two-Dimensional echocardiography

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Medical Imaging
• Physiology

Background:

• Left atrial (LA) and left ventricular (LV) dynamics are closely related, defined as coupling.
• The left atrioventricular coupling index (LACI) may indicate LV dysfunction and differentiate normal from abnormal LV function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish normal reference values for LACI based on age and sex.
• To assess the feasibility and reliability of LACI measurement using Two-dimensional echocardiography (2DE).

Main Methods:

• Included 975 healthy subjects with good 2DE image quality.
• Calculated LACI as the ratio of LA to LV end-diastolic volumes (%).
• Analyzed LACI across four age groups and by sex.

Main Results:

• Mean LACI was 16.4 ± 7.3%, higher in females (17.3 ± 7.9%) than males (15.4 ± 6.6%).
• Increasing age significantly correlated with increased LACI in both sexes.
• 2DE measurement of LACI demonstrated excellent inter- and intraobserver agreement.

Conclusions:

• 2DE measurement of LACI is feasible and reliable for assessing cardiac function.
• Normal LACI reference values have been established by gender and age.
• Age and gender are critical factors when interpreting LACI values.