Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2013; 61 - P49
DOI: 10.1055/s-0033-1354538

Reference Values of the Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Systolic Excursion in 711 Healthy Children and Calculation of z-Score Values

M Koestenberger 1, W Ravekes 2, B Nagel 1, A Avian 3, B Heinzl 1, P Fritsch 1, T Rehak 1, A Gamillscheg 1
  • 1Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Medical University Graz, Austria
  • 2Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
  • 3Institute for Medical Informatics, Statistics and Documentation, Medical University Graz, Austria

Objective: The right ventricular (RV) outflow tract systolic excursion (RVOT SE) has been introduced as an echocardiographic tool to assess RV systolic function in adults. We aimed to determine growth-related changes of RVOT SE in children to establish references values.

Study Design: A prospective study was conducted in a group of 711 healthy pediatric patients (age: day 1 – 18 years), (BSA: 0.14 – 2.26 m2). We determined the effects of age and body surface area (BSA) on RVOT SE values. RVOT SE values were further correlated with established RV systolic function parameters tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and tricuspid annular peak systolic velocity (S′).

Results: The RVOT SE ranged from a mean of 3.9 mm in neonates to 9.5 mm in 18-year-old adolescents. The RVOT SE values showed a positive correlation with age (r= 0.90, p < 0.001) and BSA (r= 0.91, p < 0.001). A significant positive correlation was seen between RVOT SE and TAPSE and between RVOT SE and S′ in our children.

Conclusion: z-scores of RVOT SE values were calculated and percentile charts were established in the pediatric age group. RVOT SE provides a simple measure and, in combination with long-axis excursion parameters TAPSE and S′, provides comprehensive assessment of RV systolic function.