Head-to-head comparison between echocardiography and cardiac MRI in the evaluation of the athlete's heart.

Objective: Echocardiographic cut-off values are often used for cardiac MRI in athletic persons. This study investigates the difference between echocardiographic and cardiac MRI measurements of ventricular and atrial dimensions and ventricular wall thickness, and its effect on volume and wall mass prediction in athletic subjects compared with non-athletic controls.

Methods: Healthy non-athletic (59), regular athletic (59) and elite athletic (63) persons, aged 18-39 years and training 2.

Relationship of ventricular and atrial dilatation to valvular function in endurance athletes.

Objective: To establish cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reference values for atrial adaptation to training in endurance athletes in comparison with matched non-athletes. In addition, to study the relationship of atrial size to ventricular and annular size and valvular function.

Design: Cross-sectional study.