Normal Values of Echocardiographic Parameters Indicating Right Ventricular Systolic Functions in 607 Healthy Children

Background: This study aimed to define the normal ranges of echocardiographic parameters that are used to evaluate right ventricular systolic functions. Methods: A total of 607 children within the age range of 0 - 18 years without any cardiac pathology or chronic disorders were included in the study. The study population was categorized into different age groups and underwent transthoracic echocardiography. In this study, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), tricuspid annular peak systolic velocity (TAPSV), and right ventricular myocardial performance index (RVMPI) values were measured. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the mean TAPSE and TAPSV values of male and female subjects. The mean RVMPI was higher in females than in males. The study population was categorized into nine groups according to their age. The TAPSE, TAPSV, and RVMPI values were calculated for each group. Additionally, the 5th, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th, and 95th percentiles, and ± 2 standard deviation (SD) and ± 3 SD values of TAPSE measurements were calculated for each age group. The study population was divided into eight groups according to their body surface area (BSA). Moreover, the 5th, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th, and 95th percentiles of TAPSE measurements were calculated. There was a strong positive correlation between TAPSE and BSA. The TAPSE was also positively correlated with TAPSV but not with RVMPI. Conclusions: This study determined the normal values for TAPSV and RVMPI. It is important to have knowledge of the normal ranges of these parameters to recognize right ventricular dysfunction early in various cardiac disorders.