P1561 Three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography-derived normal reference values of left atrial volumes and volume-based functional properties in healthy adults

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (3DSTE) is a new promising imaging method based on block-matching algorithm. The present study was designed to define normal reference values of 3DSTE-derived LA volumes, stroke volumes and emptying fractions respecting the cardiac cycle and to determine their age- and gender-dependency in healthy adults. Methods The present study involved 256 healthy adult subjects in sinus rhythm, who underwent complete two-dimensional Doppler echocardiography and 3DSTE at the same time. However, due to inferior image quality 87 subjects have been excluded. The remaining population comprised 169 cases who gave informed consent to participate in the study (mean age: 33.2 ± 12.8 years, 77 males). Complete two-dimensional Doppler echocardiography and 3DSTE have been performed in all subjects. Results While systolic maximum LA volume (Vmax) and early diastolic LA volume before atrial contraction (VpreA) did not change over age decades, late-diastolic minimum LA volume decreased over age decades and was lowest in subjects aged 40-49 years with an increase after 50 years. Total atrial stroke volume (TASV) remained unchanged over age decades. Passive atrial stroke volume (PASV) showed a continuous increase over age decades and a significant difference could be demonstrated between subjects aged 18-29 years and >50 years. Active atrial stroke volume (AASV) did not change over age decades with a non-significant reduction in subjects aged >50 years. Total atrial emptying fraction (TAEF) increased over age decades with a reduction after 50 years. Passive atrial emptying fraction (PAEF) showed a significant continuous increase over age decades. Active atrial emptying fraction (AAEF) did not change in younger ages, was highest at ages 40-49 years with a significant impairment after 50 years. Females have tendentiously higher LA volumes than males. Significant difference could be demonstrated in Vmax and VpreA of females versus males at ages 30-39 years. No significant differences were found between genders in LA stroke volumes, while indexed TASV and indexed AASV were higher in females as compared to males at ages 30-39 years. Similarly, no significant differences were found between genders in LA emptying fractions, while indexed TAEF were higher in females as compared to males at ages 18-29 years and 30-39 years, indexed PAEF at ages 18-29 years and indexed AAEF at ages 30-39 years. No correlations could be demonstrated between transmitral flow E and A velocities as well as their ratio and any of LA volumes neither in younger age group (less than 50 year) nor in older age group (more than 50 years). Conclusions Age- and gender-dependency of normal values of 3DSTE-derived LA volumes, stroke volumes and emptying fractions respecting the cardiac cycle were defined in healthy adult subjects.