Normal Ranges of Right Atrial Strain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
healthy subjects
2-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography
between studies
wide reference ranges for RA deformation
Abstract
Standard measures for the clinical assessment of right atrial (RA) function are lacking. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the authors sought to report a reference range for RA deformation parameters in healthy subjects and to identify factors that contribute to reported variations. The authors conducted a comprehensive search of MEDLINE; MEDLINE In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations; Embase; Scopus; and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from database inception through October 2021. Studies were included if they reported RA strain or strain rate (SR) using 2-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography in healthy volunteers or apparently healthy control patients. Data were extracted by 1 reviewer and then reviewed by 2 independent reviewers. Conflicts were resolved through consensus. Data were combined using the method developed by Siegel and adjusted using the restricted maximum likelihood random-effects model. The normal range was defined as the 95% CI of the mean. Heterogeneity was assessed by the Cochran Q-statistic and the inconsistency index (I The search identified 4,111 subjects from 21 studies. The average RA reservoir strain was 44% (95% CI: 25%-63%), contractile strain was 17% (95% CI: 2%-32%), and conduit strain was 18% (95% CI: 7%-28%), with significant between-study heterogeneity and inconsistency. The systolic SR was 2.1 s There are wide reference ranges for RA deformation, and these may limit the utility of this test in clinical practice.
