Normal Ranges of Right Ventricular Systolic and Diastolic Strain Measures in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

This study is the first to define normal values of 2D STE-derived RV strain in children on the basis of a meta-analysis. The normal mean value in children for RV global strain is −29.03% (95% CI, −31.52% to −26.54%). The normal mean value for RV global systolic strain rate is −1.88 sec−1 (95% CI, −2.10 to −1.59 sec−1). RV segmental strain has a stable base-to-apex gradient that highlights the dominance of deep longitudinal layers of the right ventricle that are aligned base to apex. Variations among different normal ranges did not appear to be dependent on differences in demographic, clinical, or equipment parameters in this meta-analysis. All of the eligible studies used equipment and software from one manufacturer (GE Healthcare).