Abstract des Autors

By means of bidimensional echocardiography we studied various dimensional parameters and systolic function of the right ventricle in a group of 85 top level or good level athletes (68 males, 17 females, mean age: 23). Results were compared with data relating to 28 normal non athletes. We also carried out a visual qualitative analysis of the right ventricle in real time, as to evaluate possible morphologic differences of the ventricle between the two groups of subjects. The parameters relating to the dimensions and to the systolic function were corrected according to the body surface. The following parameters turned out significantly bigger in the group of athletes: telediastolic area in apical 4 chambers (9.66 vs 7.41, p<0.001), telesystolic area in apical 4 chambers (4.42 vs 3.12, p<0.001), largest longitudinal telediastolic diameter in apical 4 chambers (1.93 vs 1.65, p<0.01). As to study the systolic function we used the fraction of area reduction (telediastolic area-telesystolic area/telediastolic area) expressed in percentage. Such index turned out slightly lower in the athletes compared to the non athletes (31.35 vs 35.47, p<0.05). The qualitative morphologic analysis made in real time didn't point out remarkable differences between athletes and non athletes' right ventricles. We can therefore conclude that in the athletes we studied by means of bidimensional echocardiography we found out significant bigger dimension of the right ventricle compared to non athletes only in the section apical 4 chambers. Nevertheless we never noted remarkable dilation of the right ventricle in athletes in comparison with that of non athletes. Athlete's right ventricle systolic function also if slightly reduced compared to that of non athletes, was always considered normal. Finally also from the morphologic point of view, the athlete's right ventricle turned out normal. Relating to the bidimensional echocardiographic evaluation of athlete's heart, we can suggest to make ever a careful study of the right ventricle. Verf.-Referat