Sex- and age- specific normal values of left ventricular functional and myocardial mass parameters using threshold-based trabeculae quantification

Background The threshold-based (TB) trabeculated and papillary muscle mass (TPM) quantification method for cardiac MRI (CMR) calculates different values than conventional contouring techniques. We aimed to identify the sex- and age-related normal reference ranges for left ventricular (LV) myocardial mass values, volumetric and functional parameters and the correspondence of these parameters using the TB method. Methods Healthy European adults (n = 200, age: 39.4 ± 12 years, males: 100) were examined with CMR and evaluated with a TB postprocessing method. They were stratified by sex and age (Group A: 18–29, Group B: 30–39, Group C: 40–49, Group D: >50 years). The calculated parameters were indexed to body surface area ( i ). Results The normal reference ranges for the studied parameters were assessed in each age group. Significant biometric differences in LV parameters and mass-to-volume ratios were found between males and females, and the left ventricular compacted myocardial mass (LVCM i ) and TPM i differences remained significant after stratification by age. Unlike other LV volumetric and functional parameters and mass-to-volume ratios, the TPM i , the LVCM i and the TPM i -to-LVCM i ratio did not differ among age groups in males or females. This finding was strengthened by the lack of correlation between TPM i and age. Conclusions Age- and sex-related normal reference ranges for LV volumetric and functional parameters and LVCM i and TPM i values were established using a TB postprocessing method. TPM i , LVCM i and their ratio did not change over time. The TPM i -to-LVCM i and the mass-to-volume ratios might have clinical utility in the differential diagnosis of conditions with LV hypertrabeculation.