Related Experiment Videos
[Comparative review of normal echocardiographic values from the premature infant to the adolescent]
Insights
This study establishes normal M-mode echocardiographic values for premature infants and children, revealing linear relationships with weight and body surface area. Standardization is crucial for accurate interpretation of echocardiographic findings.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Echocardiography is vital for assessing pediatric cardiac function.
- Establishing normal reference values is essential for accurate diagnosis.
- Existing echocardiographic data for premature infants is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine normal M-mode echocardiographic values in premature infants and children.
- To identify relationships between echocardiographic parameters and body size.
- To highlight the need for standardized measurement techniques.
Main Methods:
- Analyzed M-mode echocardiographic data from 105 premature/term infants and 80 children (1-15 years).
- Ensured standardized M-mode beam positioning using 2D echocardiography.
- Assessed ventricular dimensions, aortic diameter, and left atrial size.
Main Results:
- Normal echocardiographic values showed linear correlations with body weight (up to 4000g) and body surface area (0.4-1.6 m²).
- Literature review indicated general agreement with existing data but significant discrepancies in normal ranges.
- Inconsistencies in spatial orientation and measurement accuracy were identified as causes for discrepancies.
Conclusions:
- Standardized guidelines, including 2D monitoring and high-quality tracings, are necessary for reliable echocardiographic measurements.
- Accurate pediatric echocardiographic reference ranges are critical for clinical interpretation.
- This study provides a foundation for standardized echocardiographic assessments in pediatric populations.
Abstract:
Normal M-mode echocardiographic values were analyzed from premature and term newborn infants with a body weight of 500 to 4000 g (n = 105) as well as from children ranging in age from one to 15 years with a body surface area of 0.4 to 1.6 m2 (n = 80). Standardized positioning of the recorded M-mode beam was assured through 2-dimensional echocardiographic monitoring. The maximal diastolic dimension of the right and left ventricles as well as the diastolic dimension of the aorta and the maximal dimension of the left atrium were assessed. The normal values were found to demonstrate linear relationships with weights up to 4000 g and, for larger children, with body surface areas from 0.4 to 1.6 m2. A review of values reported in the literature, of which there is a scarcity in the premature age, showed good general agreement of the mea values. The normal ranges, however, differed markedly, in some cases to such an extent that interpretation of individual echocardiographic findings would be rendered quite problematic. The explanation for these discrepancies appears most likely based on inconsistencies in spatial orientation and, subsequently, inaccurate measurements. It is apparent that establishment of normal values in a large patient population prerequisites guidelines for standardization which should include monitoring of the M-mode beam with two-dimensional echocardiography as well as use of tracings of superior quality only.