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Background Accurate measurements of the aortic annulus and root are important for guiding therapeutic decisions regarding the need for aortic surgery. Current echocardiographic guidelines for identification of aortic root dilatation are limited because current normative values were derived predominantly from white individuals in narrow age ranges, and based partially on M-mode measurements. Using data from the World Alliance Societies of Echocardiography study, the authors sought to establish normal ranges of aortic dimensions across sexes, races, and a wide range of ages. Methods Adult individuals free of heart, lung, and kidney disease were prospectively enrolled from 15 countries, with even distributions among sexes and age groups: young (18–40 years), middle aged (41–65 years) and old (>65 years). Transthoracic two-dimensional echocardiograms of 1,585 subjects (mean age, 47 ± 17 years; 50.4% men; mean body surface area [BSA], 1.77 ± 0.22 m2) were analyzed in a core laboratory following American Society of Echocardiography guidelines. Measurements, indexed separately by BSA and by height, included the aortic annulus, sinuses of Valsalva, and sinotubular junction. Differences among age, sex, and racial groups were evaluated using unpaired two-tailed Student's t tests. Results All aortic root dimensions were larger in men compared with women. After indexing to BSA, all measured dimensions were significantly larger in women, whereas men continued to show larger dimensions after indexing to height. Of note, the upper limits of normal for all aortic dimensions were lower across all age groups, compared with the guidelines. Aortic dimensions were larger in older age groups in both sexes, a trend that persisted regardless of BSA or height adjustment. Last, differences in aortic dimensions were also observed according to race: Asians had the smallest nonindexed aortic dimensions at all levels. Conclusions There are significant differences in aortic dimensions according to sex, age, and race. Thus, current guideline-recommended normal ranges may need to be adjusted to account for these differences.

Background: Echocardiographic assessment of right ventricular (RV) systolic function is an important component of clinical decision making. Although professional societies have worked to define normal ranges of RV size and function, their guidelines have not included the impacts of age, sex, and ethnicity on these parameters, as they have for the left ventricle. The World Alliance of Societies of Echocardiography study was designed to investigate the effects of age, sex, and ethnicity on all cardiac chambers. The aim of this study was to explore whether these differences exist for RV systolic parameters. Methods: Adequate two-dimensional RV-focused views for the measurement of systolic parameters, including fractional area change and global and free wall longitudinal strain, were available in 1,913 subjects (mean age, 47 ± 17 years; 51% men). Basal and mid-RV dimensions, length, tricuspid annular peak systolic excursion, tissue Doppler S′ velocity, and myocardial performance index were also measured. Subjects were grouped by age ([removed]65 years), with results also stratified by sex and ethnicity (Asian, black, or white) and analyzed using vendor-independent software. Differences among groups were evaluated using analysis of variance. Results: Women had smaller absolute and indexed RV areas and absolute RV dimensions and higher magnitudes of fractional area change, free wall strain, and global longitudinal strain compared to men. With respect to age, most of the statistically significant differences were noted between the [removed]65-year age groups, with RV areas and lengths smaller in older age groups and RV functional parameters (S′, fractional area change, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, global longitudinal strain, free wall strain, and myocardial performance index) showing minimal decreases or no changes with age. Although there were no meaningful differences in functional parameters among ethnic groups, RV size was smallest in Asians. Conclusions: These findings suggest that although two-dimensional RV parameters are age and sex dependent, association with race is less apparent, excepting that the Asian population appears to have smaller chamber sizes compared with whites and blacks.

Background Left atrial (LA) evaluation includes volumetric and functional parameters with an abundance of diagnostic and prognostic implications. Solid normal reference ranges are compulsory for accurate interpretation in individual patients, but previous studies have yielded mixed conclusions regarding the effects of age, sex, and/or race. The present report from the World Alliance Societies of Echocardiography study focuses on two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) measures of LA structure and function, with subgroup analysis by age, sex, and race. Methods Transthoracic 2D and 3D echocardiographic images were obtained in 1,765 healthy individuals (901 men, 864 women) evenly distributed among age subgroups: 18 to 40 years (n = 745), 41 to 65 years (n = 618), and >65 years (n = 402); the racial distribution was 38.4% white, 39.9% Asian, and 9.7% black. Images were analyzed using dedicated LA analysis software to measure LA volumes and phasic function from 3D volume and 2D strain curves. Results Three-dimensional maximum and minimum LA volumes adjusted for body surface area were nearly identical for men and women, but women demonstrated higher 3D total and passive emptying fractions (EFs). Two-dimensional reservoir strain was similar for both sexes. Age was associated with an incremental rise in LA volumes alongside characteristic shifts in functional indices. Total 2D EF and reservoir and conduit strain varied inversely with age, counteracted by higher booster strain, with a greater magnitude of effect in women. Active 3D EF was significantly higher, while total and passive EFs decreased with age. Interracial differences were noted in LA volumes, without substantial differences in functional indices. Conclusion Although similar normal values for LA volumes and strain can be applied to both sexes, meaningful differences in LA size occur with aging. Indices of function also shift with age, with a compensatory rise in booster function, which may serve to counteract observed lower total and passive EFs. Defining age-associated normal values may help differentiate age-associated “healthy” LA aging from pathologic processes.