Anatomic M-mode, a pertinent tool for the daily practice of transthoracic echocardiography

We sought to compare anatomic M-mode (AMM), a new echocardiographic postprocessing option, and conventional M-mode (CMM) using fundamental imaging and tissue harmonic imaging.

Transthoracic echocardiography was performed in 15 selected patients to analyze the reproducibility of AMM and in 47 patients to assess its clinical value versus CMM. Acquisitions were performed successively: CMM fundamental imaging; CMM tissue harmonic imaging; tissue harmonic imaging cineloops for AMM; and fundamental imaging cineloops for AMM. Quantitative analysis was performed offline. The angle alpha between the CMM line and the septal endocardial interface was calculated and the expected percentage of error in measuring left ventricular diameter was derived.

AMM analysis was reproducible. Optimal AMM full echocardiographic definition was obtainable in 77% of the population, whereas CMM was optimal for 49% because of scan line misalignment, causing a measurement overestimation exceeding 5%.

The ability with AMM to reduce the alpha angle to 0 degrees and, thus, avoid overestimation of left ventricular dimensions might improve follow-up in several pathologic conditions.