Objective: Left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) and end systolic volume (ESV) are strong and reliable independent predictors of poor prognosis [1]. Several imaging modalities may be used to measure ESV and EF, however systematic differences based on gender can exist. Thus the aim was to derive male and female normal limits for EF and ESV.
Method: Patients with normal gated myocardial perfusion SPECT studies at rest were selected. The EF and ESV were calculated with Quantitative Gated SPECT software. The limit for normality was mean ± 2 standard deviations (sd).
Results: Women had a higher mean EF than men and a smaller ESV than men (p < 0.0001). The measurements resulted in marked gender specific differences for EF and ESV normal limits.
| . | n |
Mean EF (%) |
sd |
EF normal limit (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | 75 | 56.6 | 7.5 | 41.6 |
| Female | 116 | 65.1 | 8.2 | 48.8 |
| . | . | Mean ESV (ml) |
sd |
ESV normal limit (ml) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | 56 | 46.3 | 19.5 | 85.3 |
| Female | 70 | 26.6 | 11.8 | 50.2 |
Conclusions: Normal limits for EF are commonly assumed to be independent of gender. We have demonstrated that there is a significant difference between male and female EF. In addition we have defined normal limits for EF and ESV.
1. Sharir T. 1999, 100:1035-1042. Circulation
Peace RA, Lloyd JJ. Normal gender specific limits for ejection fraction and end systolic volume in gated myocardial perfusion SPECT. British Nuclear Medicine Society annual meeting, Manchester Nucl Med Commun 2005;26:274.
Dr. Richard Peace RVI Unit, Newcastle upon Tyne. Tel: +44 (0)191-233-6161.
Regional Medical Physics Department, Newcastle General Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 6BE, UK.
Tel: +44 (0)191-233-6161 Fax: +44 (0)191-226-0970 E-mail: webmaster@rmpd.org.uk Web: http://www.rmpd.org.uk
By using this site you agree to our Terms and Conditions of Use. Please read our legal page.
Regional Medical Physics Department, a Clinical Directorate of the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Copyright ©1999-2008 All Rights Reserved. Revised 28 April, 2008.
