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Ejection fraction: subjective visual echocardiographic estimation versus radionuclide angiography.
TianChu Shih1, Robert Lichtenberg, William Jacobs
1Department of Cardiology, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, Illinois, USA. tianchu.shih@dreyermed.com
Echocardiography (Mount Kisco, N.Y.)
|July 10, 2003
Summary
Two-dimensional (2D) echocardiography provides an excellent correlation with radionuclide angiography for assessing left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). This finding is particularly strong in patients with normal or severely depressed left ventricular function.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Imaging
- Diagnostic Techniques
Background:
- Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is crucial for assessing systolic function.
- Subjective visual estimation of LVEF via 2D echocardiography is widely used.
- Previous studies validating 2D LVEF estimation involved fewer than 50 patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To validate the correlation of LVEF between 2D echocardiography and radionuclide angiography (RNA).
- To assess LVEF in a large patient cohort using harmonic imaging modality.
- To compare the accuracy of 2D echocardiography with RNA for LVEF measurement.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 377 patient records.
- Analysis of LVEF data from 2D echocardiography and RNA.
- Inclusion of data obtained within 15 days for each patient.
Main Results:
- A strong correlation coefficient (r=0.84) was observed between 2D echocardiography and RNA.
- Excluding heart transplant recipients increased the correlation to r=0.87.
- Agreement was highest for normal or severely depressed left ventricular function.
Conclusions:
- 2D echocardiography offers excellent correlation with RNA for LVEF assessment.
- The accuracy is particularly notable in extreme ranges of left ventricular function.
- This validates 2D echocardiography as a reliable method for LVEF evaluation.