The November JASE contains “Similarities and Differences in Left Ventricular Size and Function among Races and Nationalities: Results of the World Alliance Societies of Echocardiography Normal Values Study,” by Federico M. Asch, MD, FASE, et al. Dr. Asch said that, “The clinical usefulness of echocardiography is based on the detection of abnormalities, which relies on the accurate definition of “normality” across different countries or races. Currently, available echocardiographic ‘reference values’ that define ‘normality’ are mostly based on cross-sectional observations of Caucasians from the United States and Europe. The WASE study evaluated individuals from multiple countries and races with the aim of describing normative values that could be applied to the global community world-wide, and to determine differences and similarities among people from different countries and races. The current report focuses specifically on 2D left ventricular dimensions, volumes, and function.”
Other papers in this issue cover prognostic value of LV and RV ejection fractions measured by 3D echo, several papers on echo in percutaneous valve interventions, a paper on the influences of basal septal thickening on myocardial strain measurements, the novel role for myocardial strain assessment in HFpEF, assessment of aortic coarctation by fetal echo, and a pre-clinical investigation on the imaging of ischemic memory complemented by an editorial, “Ischemic Memory Imaging: The Quest for the Holy Grail Continues,” by Yin Ge, MD, and Howard Leong-Poi, MD, FASE. A brief research communication explores the feasibility and reproducibility of transthoracic echo in obese patients. The 20th Annual Feigenbaum Lecture topic on Precision Medicine that was presented in June is also included. The President’s Message by Madhav Swaminathan, MD, MMCi, FASE, explores ASE’s exciting new Leadership Academy and its inaugural group of outstanding members. The Sonographers’ Communication by Neha Soni-Patel, BS, RDCS, (AE/PE), RCCS, FASE, looks at barriers to sonographer education, and becoming life-long learners.