Normal values of M mode echocardiographic measurements of more than 2000 healthy infants and children in central Europe

Objective-To obtain normal M mode (one dimensional) echocardiographic value s in a substantial sample of normal infants and children. Design-Data were obtained over three years from a single centre in central Europe. Patients-2036 healthy infants and children aged one day to is years. Methods In line with recommendations for standardising measurements from M mode echocardiograms, and using digital echocardiographic equipment, measur ements were obtained of the following: right ventricular anterior wall thic kness at end diastole, right ventricular end diastolic dimension, thickness of interventricular septum at end diastole and end systole, thickness of p osterior wall of the left ventricle at end diastole and end systole, left v entricular dimension at end diastole and end systole, pulmonary and aortic valve diameter, and left aerial dimension. Results-Measurements are presented graphically on centile charts with respe ct to body surface area, and as tables with mean and 2 SD values for newbor ns in relation to body weight, and for infants and children in relation to body surface area. Best fitting regression equations are given for each mea sured variable, using the 50th centile values. Conclusion-In comparison with previously published normal values, the prese nted charts and tables make it possible to judge echocardiographic measurem ents of a particular patient as normal or abnormal.