Reference values for cardiac dimensions and function in a rural population living in a loiasis-endemic area of the Republic of the Congo: An echocardiographic study

Echocardiography is crucial for diagnosis and management of cardiac diseases. Existing reference values may not be applicable to rural African populations due ethnicity related variability and limited data. This study aimed to establish reference values for echocardiographic parameters in a rural population. We assessed echocardiographic parameters in the adult population ( ≥ 18 years) from rural areas endemic for loiasis in the Republic of Congo. Reference values were established using participants with normal BMI, no hypertension/diabetes, and no significant echocardiographic abnormalities. Statistical analyses included comparisons by sex and age group. This study of 422 participants revealed significant variations in echocardiographic parameters across age and sex groups. Left ventricular dimensions and mass were larger in males, while left ventricular ejection fraction was higher in females. Left atrial dimensions, including area and volume, increased with age. Right ventricular dimensions also exhibited sex and age-related differences, with males generally showing larger dimensions. The prevalence of echocardiographic abnormalities varied significantly compared to reference values from other populations. This study provides age- and sex-stratified reference values for echocardiographic parameters in a rural population endemic for loiasis, highlighting the need for population-specific reference values and a standardized approach to their establishment to improve comparability across studies.