부산대학교 도서관

Background: Left atrial (LA) volume and performance are crucial parameters for evaluating hemodynamic consequences of cardiovascular diseases. Accuracy of real time tridimensional echocardiography (RT3DE) measurements has been reported in adults, with high reproducibility when compared to magnetic resonance imaging. However, studies evaluating reference ranges for LA parameters in children with RT3DE are lacking. The aims of this study were: (1) to evaluate LA maximal(LAVMax) and minimal volumes(LAVMin) and volume before atrial contraction (LAVpreA) in a normal pediatric population, (2) to determine correlation between antropometric variables and LA volumes and (3) to analyze LA function by means of LA fractions in this population.Methods: We studied 148 healthy children (74 male, age range 0- 12 years) referred for RT3DE. LA maximal and minimal volumes and volume before atrial contraction were obtained and LA fractions were thus derived (active, passive and total LA emptying fraction).Results: Mean age was 6.9±3.3 years, while weight was 22.0 ±11.0 Kg, height 114.3±23.0 cm and body surface area was 0.82 ±0.3Kg/m2. LAVMax was 15.4 ±6.6ml, LAVMin was 5.3±2.7ml and LAVpreA was 9.6±4.7mL, with a total LA emptying fraction measuring 66.0±7.8%, a LA active emptying fraction of 43.7±11.7% and LA passive emptying fraction of 38.8±11.1%. As expected, a significant correlation (p<0.01) was observed between LAVMax and antropometric variables such as weight (r=0.69), height (r=0,71) and body surface area (r=0.69).Conclusion: This study provides normal reference values for LA volumes and function with RT3DE in a population of children without cardiovascular disease; these results might be useful for comparison with other cardiovascular conditions which may affect LA remodeling