Normal Reference Values of Tissue Doppler Imaging Parameters for Right Ventricular Function in Young Adults: a Population Based Study

BACKGROUND Tissue Doppler imaging is used routinely to quantify both left and right ventricular function. However, normal reference values of echocardiography parameters of the right ventricle in Iranian population are still unknown. OBJECTIVES Accordingly, we conducted a study to determine the normal values of echocardiography parameters of right ventricular function in a healthy Iranian population. PATIENTS AND METHODS One hundred and eighty seven healthy volunteer subjects enrolled. Normal subjects were chosen by taking into account history, physical examination, ECG and echocardiography. RESULTS Reference ranges (5th and 95th percentile values) for tricuspid E velocity, A velocity, E/A ratio, deceleration time, annular Sa velocity, Ea velocity, and E/Ea ratio were derived for the whole individuals and for each of the three age groups (< 30, 30-39, 40-49). The deceleration time, E/ Ea ratio and acceleration time of the iso-volumetric contraction time (IVA) were greater in male than in female. All measured parameters were bigger but not statistically significant in the 40-49 year-old group in comparison with the < 30 year-old group. Comparison of data between different groups showed no significant differences between the majority of data when they have been adjusted to body surface area, age and sex. CONCLUSIONS The reference ranges presented for the echocardiography parameters of right ventricular function, albeit not conducted in a sizable sample of normal cases, will help to standardize the assessment of RV functions, particularly by tissue Doppler imaging.