Early Screening for Cardiovascular Abnormalities With Preparticipation Echocardiography

Abstract

Incorporating limited PEFP into PPEs has the potential to limit the number of false-positive and false-negative cardiac screens. Limited PEFP was the fastest screening modality compared with traditional H&P and ECG methods. Based on the time-driven activity-based paradigm of cost analysis, limited PEFP as part of the PPE yields the highest value: the most accurate and reliable information and the lowest dollar/time expenditure.

Aortic dilatation: Value of echocardiography in the systematic assessment of elite rugby players in the French National Rugby League (LNR)

“…14,[18][19][20][21] On the other hand, the prevalence of echocardiographic abnormalities in our subjects is significantly higher than that reported in previous studies, which did not include rugby players. [1][2][3][4][5] Regarding valvulopathies and large left ventricular dilatations, the presence of two cases of bicuspid aortic valve is consistent with the reported prevalence in the general population. 22 The two players with a ventricular dilatation >65 mm and otherwise normal values will continue to receive regular cardiologic monitoring, as recommended.…”

“…8 Several explanations can be proposed. First, our population is older than other cohorts [1][2][3][4] and has more years of elite practice, which is likely to generate ultrasound modifications, particularly aortic, as highlighted by Pelliccia 15 and Gentry. 29 However, other studies on comparable populations did not demonstrate a clear link between practicing sport and an increased aortic diameter, as in cases of bicuspid aortic valve.…”

“…Several studies have sought to clarify the contribution of systematically performing ECHO to screen for cardiovascular pathologies in competitive athletes, with conflicting results on its additional diagnostic value. [1][2][3][4][5][6] Several professional leagues and international federations, such as FIFA and World Rugby, require a regular echocardiographic examination in addition to the routine check-up, with interview, physical examination, and resting ECG, as recommended since 2005 by the European Society of Cardiology. 7 Thus, the French National Professional Rugby League has required a resting ECG at regular intervals since 2000 every 4 years, and every 2 years since 2017.…”

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance clarifies arrhythmogenicity in asymptomatic young athletes with ventricular arrhythmias undergoing pre‑participation evaluation

“…Traditionally this involves the taking of a focused patient history and the performance of a physical examination of the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal Cardiovascular magnetic resonance clarifies arrhythmogenicity in asymptomatic young athletes with ventricular arrhythmias undergoing pre-participation evaluation systems (1,3). More recently, electrocardiogram (ECG) and echocardiographic evaluation have also been gaining ground in the context of PPE (4,5). However, PPE has not been proven to significantly reduce the burden of morbidity/mortality associated with athletic activities (1).…”

A comparison of cardiac structure and function between female powerlifters, fitness‐oriented athletes, and sedentary controls

“…In this way, echocardiographic screening can provide useful insight regarding physiological or pathological cardiac adaptations to resistance training. 9 Given the limited body of evidence regarding cardiac morphology and function in resistance-trained females, this study aimed to compare echocardiographic parameters in female powerlifters, fitness-oriented athletes, and sedentary controls.…”