Corsi Marco, Falconi Edoardo, Palazzo Roberto, Orlandi Melissa, Mascherini Gabriele, Bini Vittorio, Stefani Laura
Sports Medicine Center, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
J Cardiovasc Echogr. 2025 Jan-Mar;35(1):37-42. doi: 10.4103/jcecho.jcecho_68_24. Epub 2025 Apr 30.
Athlete's heart has been extensively studied, particularly regarding global myocardial remodeling in normal systodiastolic function and supernormal deformation reserve. Based on specific morphological characteristics, it is commonly classified as eccentric and concentric remodeling; however, the recent interest in echocardiography lies in the dynamicity of the vorticity flow inside the LV chamber, primarily correlated with diastolic function. This study aims to verify the potential additional contribution of vortex analysis in characterizing the athlete's heart.
A group of 23 highly trained athletes was studied using two-dimensional standard and deformation echo parameters and vortex examination. A dedicated software (HyperDoppler-ESAOTE) defined geometrical and dynamic vortex parameters (area, length, depth, energy dissipation [ED], vorticity fluctuation, and kinetic energy fluctuation). The data obtained were compared with a group of 26 active nonathletes and a group of 23 normal subjects. Body mass index differed among the three groups, with higher values in normal subjects (normal = 27.2 ± 5.7; active = 22.9 ± 2.6; triathletes = 22.1 ± 1.8; = 0.01). Indexed left ventricle mass was significantly higher in triathletes (triathletes = 96.9 ± 14.9; active = 87.6 ± 15; normal = 79.5 ± 15.7; = 0.003) as twist (triathletes = 12.3 ± 3.9; active = 9.8 ± 3.7; normal = 8.1 ± 3.1; = 0.001), expressing a supernormal apical reserve. Diastolic function was normal in both groups. In the presence of normal geometrical vortex data, vortex energetic parameters were significantly higher in triathletes (ED = 1.10 ± 0.41, < 0.001; vorticity fluctuation = 0.89 ± 0.04, < 0.001; kinetic energy fluctuation = 1.01 ± 0.08, < 0.001).
Vortex analysis complements the morphological remodeling of the athlete's heart. It can contribute to defining the effects of training intensity and energy consumption. Future research will focus on potential modifications in different sports.
运动员心脏已得到广泛研究，特别是关于正常收缩舒张功能和超常变形储备中的整体心肌重塑。基于特定的形态特征，它通常被分为离心性和向心性重塑；然而，近期超声心动图关注的焦点在于左心室腔内涡流血流的动态变化，主要与舒张功能相关。本研究旨在验证涡旋分析在表征运动员心脏方面可能的额外贡献。
对一组23名训练有素的运动员进行了二维标准和变形回声参数以及涡旋检查。使用专用软件（HyperDoppler - ESAOTE）定义几何和动态涡旋参数（面积、长度、深度、能量耗散[ED]、涡度波动和动能波动）。将获得的数据与一组26名活跃的非运动员和一组23名正常受试者进行比较。三组之间的体重指数存在差异，正常受试者的值更高（正常 = 27.2 ± 5.7；活跃 = 22.9 ± 2.6；铁人三项运动员 = 22.1 ± 1.8；P = 0.01）。铁人三项运动员的左心室质量指数显著更高（铁人三项运动员 = 96.9 ± 14.9；活跃 = 87.6 ± 15；正常 = 79.5 ± 15.7；P = 0.003），扭转也是如此（铁人三项运动员 = 12.3 ± 3.9；活跃 = 9.8 ± 3.7；正常 = 8.1 ± 3.1；P = 0.001），表现出超常的心尖储备。两组的舒张功能均正常。在几何涡旋数据正常的情况下，铁人三项运动员的涡旋能量参数显著更高（ED = 1.10 ± 0.41，P < 0.001；涡度波动 = 0.89 ± 0.04，P < 0.001；动能波动 = 1.01 ± 0.08，P < 0.001）。
涡旋分析补充了运动员心脏的形态重塑。它有助于确定训练强度和能量消耗的影响。未来的研究将集中在不同运动中的潜在变化。
