Athletes heart
Case:
The presented case demonstrates the typical findings in an endurance athlete. This is a 21 year old professional cyclists. He has a no medical history, trains approximately 28 hours per week, and participates in international competitions. The basic ultrasound shows typical remodeling of the heart with enlargement of all cardiac compartments. The LV mass is increased and the septal thickness measures 14mm. The LVEF is borderline normal (54%).
Deformation imaging
Deformation imaging in this individual is completely normal despite the pronounces left ventricular hypertrophy and borderline (ab)normal LVEF. Global longitudinal strain of -19.5% is normal. No regional differences are encountered en no abnormal deformation patterns are seen (also no post systolic strain).