Reference Values of Left and Right Atrial Volumes and Phasic Function based on A Large Sample of Healthy Chinese Adults: A Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Study

Abstract

\n The left and right atrial (LA and RA) volumes and function are tightly linked to the morbidity and mortality of multiple cardiovascular diseases. We aimed to establish cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) reference values for LA and RA volumes and phasic function based on a large sample of healthy Chinese adults. 408 validated healthy Chinese adults (54% men; aged 21–70 years) were included. The atrial volumes: maximum, minimum, and pre-atrial contraction (Vmax, Vmin, and Vpac); atrial phasic emptying fractions: total, passive, and booster (EF total, EF passive, and EF booster); atrial phasic emptying volumes: total, passive, and active (TEV, PEV, and AEV); and atrial expansion index (EI) were measured. Normal reference values were calculated and were stratified by sex (men and women) and age decades. The absolute LA and RA volumes and the indexed RA volumes were all greater in men. Women demonstrated higher LAEF total, LAEF booster, LAEI, RAEF total, RAEF passive, RAEF booster, and RAEI, while men had greater RATEV and RAAEV. Aging was positively correlated with the absolute and indexed LA and RA volumes, except for LA Vmax. LA and RA reservoir and conduit function including EF total, EI, EF passive, and PEV increased with age, while the atrial booster function (EF booster and AEV) decreased. We systematically provide age- and sex-specific CMR reference values for LA, RA volumes and phasic function based on a large sample of healthy Chinese adults with a wide age range. Both age and sex are closely associated with atrial volumes and function.