Three-Dimensional Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography-Derived Aortic Valve Annular Plane Systolic Excursion and Left Ventricular Volumes Are Not Associated in Healthy Adults (Insights from MAGYAR-Healthy Study)

Introduction: The left ventricular (LV) function can be characterized by the spatial displacement of the aortic valve annulus (AVA), represented by the AVA plane systolic excursion (AAPSE). AAPSE, measured using 3DSTE, has been shown to be a complex feature of LV function, reflecting not only longitudinal function. The present study aimed to evaluate the potential associations between AAPSE and LV volumes as assessed simultaneously using 3DSTE in the same healthy adult individuals. It was also examined when AAPSE and LV volumes were average, or they were smaller or larger than average. Methods: The present study included 109 healthy subjects (mean age: 35.1 ± 12.0 years; 68 men). All participants underwent two-dimensional Doppler echocardiography, and 3DSTE was performed for the simultaneous evaluation of LV volumes and AAPSE. Results: No significant changes in LV volumes and LV-EF were observed in association with increasing AAPSE. LV-ESV and LV mass increased significantly with increasing LV-EDV, while LV-EF remained preserved. No significant changes in AAPSE could be detected with increasing LV-EDV. LV-EDV and LV mass also increased significantly with increasing LV-ESV. LV-EF proved to be significantly increased in the presence of the lowest LV-ESV. No significant changes in AAPSE were observed with increasing LV-ESV. No correlations were found between AAPSE and LV-EDV or LV-ESV. Conclusions: LV volumes and the spatial excursion of the AVA, represented by AAPSE, are not associated in healthy adults when measured simultaneously using 3DSTE.