Reference values of cardiac ventricular structure and function by steady-state free-procession MRI at 3.0T in healthy adult chinese volunteers.

PURPOSE: To establish normal reference values of left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) dimension, volume, mass, and ejection fraction in a Chinese population using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 120 (60 males; 60 females; 23-83 years) healthy Han Chinese subjects without cardiovascular disease or risk factors were recruited. They underwent comprehensive MRI examination at 3.0T. LV/RV morphology and function were evaluated by steady-state free-procession (SSFP) sequence. Parameters were analyzed according to a standard postprocessing protocol.

RESULTS: Significant differences in LV size, mass, volume, and ejection fraction (EF) between sexes were noted (all P < 0.05). After indexing using body surface area (BSA), LV end-diastolic volume (EDV), and LV mass index were greater in males than in females (76.5 vs. 68.7 mL/m, P < 0.001; 52.9 vs. 45.1 g/m, P < 0.001; respectively). LVEF was lower in males than in females (64.6% vs. 67.1%, P = 0.007, respectively). RV volume was higher and RVEF lower in males compared with females (75.3 vs. 62.7 mL/m, P < 0.001; 59.9% vs. 62.6%, P = 0.001, respectively). Age was associated significantly with indices of LV and RV volume in females (left ventricular end-diastolic volume index: r = -0.41 P = 0.001; left ventricular end-systolic volume index: r = -0.37 P = 0.004; left ventricular end-diastolic volume index: r = -0.53 P < 0.001; right ventricular end-systolic volume index: r = -0.43 P < 0.001), but not in males (all P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: These data suggest that sex and age affect ventricular parameters in healthy Han Chinese subjects without cardiovascular disease or risk factors.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2 Technical Efficacy: Stage 2 J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2017;45:1684-1692.