Indexing and normalization

Indexing converts raw measurements into body-size-normalized, length-normalized, or pressure-normalized values. These derived rows are useful, but they introduce external denominators and missingness.

Modality
All modalities
Pipeline step
Derived feature extraction and normalization
Outputs
BSA-indexed volumes/mass/diameters, cardiac index, pressure-normalized distensibility, length-normalized torsion
Maturity
Source-audited method page

Common normalizations

NormalizationCurrent useDependency
BSA indexingventricular volumes, atrial volumes/dimensions, myocardial mass, LVOT diametersquery_BSA / available BSA table
Cardiac indexcardiac output divided by BSAheart rate and BSA
Length normalizationtorsion and recoil rowsventricular length or method-specific length
Pressure normalizationaortic distensibilitycentral pulse pressure from configured pressure source
RR-indexed timingtagged time-to-peak indicesusable ECG rest data and RR interval

Interpretation rules

Indexed values should usually be displayed beside raw values rather than replacing them. Absolute size, body-size-adjusted size, and pressure-normalized stiffness answer different questions.

Missing denominator rule

If the denominator or external table is missing, the derived row should be unavailable or conditional. Do not interpret a missing indexed row as a normal raw measurement.

Current caveats

BSA, pressure, and ECG dependencies are not cosmetic metadata. They can change which rows are emitted for a subject. Aortic distensibility also filters central pulse pressure below the current validity threshold, and tagged timing indices are skipped when ECG rest data are unavailable.

Source audit

  • BSA-indexed row behavior was checked against current ventricular, atrial, LVOT, and native feature documentation.
  • Pressure-normalized distensibility behavior was checked against eval_aortic_dist.py.
  • RR-indexed tagged timing behavior was checked against eval_strain_tagged.py.
  • Textbook context boundary: broad clinical textbook context is not surfaced here because this page documents normalization mechanics.