Normal Human Left and Right Ventricular and Left Atrial Dimensions Using Steady State Free Precession Magnetic Resonance Imaging

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Abstract
Purpose. The aim of this project was to establish a database of left and right ventricular and left atrial dimensions in healthy volunteers using steady-state free precession cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, the clinical technique of choice, across a wide age range. Methods. 108 healthy volunteers (63 male, 45 female) underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging using steady-state free precession sequences. Manual analysis was performed by 2 experienced observers. Results. Left and right ventricular volumes and left ventricular mass were larger in males than females: LV end-diastolic volume 160 ± 29 mL vs. 135 ± 26 mL, LV end-systolic volume 50 ± 16 mL vs. 42 ± 12 mL; RV end-diastolic volume 190 ± 33 mL vs. 148 ± 35 mL, RV end-systolic volume 78 ± 20 mL vs. 56 ± 18 mL (p < .05 for all). Normalization of values to body surface area removed the statistical differences for LV volumes, but not for LV mass or RV volumes. With increased age, males showed a significant decrease in volume and mass indices for both ventricles, while female values remained unchanged. Compared to females, males had significantly larger maximal left atrial volumes (103 ± 30 mL vs. 89 ± 21 mL, p = .01) and left atrial stroke volumes (58 ± 23 mL vs. 48 ± 15 mL, p = .01). There was no difference in left atrial ejection fraction between the sexes. Conclusion. We have produced a large database of age-related normal ranges for left and right ventricular function and left atrial function in males and females. This will allow accurate interpretation of clinical and research datasets.

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