Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 17, 2026
Evaluation of Left Ventricular Structure and Function using 3D Echocardiography
Published on: October 28, 2020
Comparison between fundamental and second-harmonic imaging echocardiography for calculation of left ventricular mass
M Dencker1, O Thorsson, P Wollmer
1Department of Clinical Sciences, Malmö, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden. magnus.dencker@skane.se
Insights
Second-harmonic imaging (SHI) and fundamental imaging (FI) show no significant differences in calculating pediatric left ventricular mass (LVM). This finding suggests both echocardiography techniques are reliable for assessing cardiac structure in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric cardiology
- Echocardiography
- Cardiac imaging
Background:
- Left ventricular mass (LVM) calculation in adults differs between second-harmonic imaging (SHI) and fundamental imaging (FI).
- Limited data exists on SHI versus FI for LVM assessment in pediatric populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare LVM calculations using SHI and FI in pediatric subjects.
- To determine if SHI offers advantages over FI for pediatric LVM assessment.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of M-mode echocardiograms from 14 children (aged 6.9-13.0 years).
- Measurements obtained using both SHI and FI techniques according to American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) guidelines.
- LVM calculated and indexed by body surface area.
Main Results:
- Mean LVM values were similar between SHI (58.9 +/- 9.7 g/m²) and FI (57.8 +/- 8.2 g/m²).
- No statistically significant difference (P = 0.45) was observed between the two imaging modalities.
- The left ventricular endocardial border was well visualized with both techniques in children.
Conclusions:
- This preliminary study indicates no systematic difference between SHI and FI for pediatric LVM calculation.
- Both echocardiographic techniques appear suitable for assessing cardiac structure in children.
- Further research with larger cohorts is warranted.
Abstract:
In adults, calculation of left ventricular mass (LVM) has been shown to give higher values when based on M-mode measurements obtained by the second-harmonic imaging (SHI) technique than with the older fundamental imaging (FI) technique. No information is available in paediatric subjects. This study, therefore, compares LVM calculated from measurements obtained with SHI and FI in 14 children, aged 6.9-13.0 years. M-mode tracings were obtained in accordance with American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) recommendations. Three experienced sonographers performed measurements on each subject with both SHI and FI. The mean value was used in all calculations. LVM was calculated according to ASE convention and indexed by body surface area. LVM mean values were 58.9 +/- 9.7 g m(-2) for SHI and 57.8 +/- 8.2 g m(-2) for FI (P = 0.45). This preliminary study in a small group of paediatric subjects demonstrates no systematic differences between FI and SHI modalities in the calculation of LVM. The likely explanation is that the left ventricular endocardial border is usually well visualized with SHI as well as with FI in children.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System I:Echocardiography
Indications: Echocardiography is utilized to diagnose heart failure, valve disorders, and myocardial infarction. It also assesses cardiac structures' size, shape, and motion, evaluates...
01:20Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System II:Types of Echocardiography
Types of Echocardiography
Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE)
TTE is the most common type of echocardiogram which involves placing a transducer on the patient's chest, emitting sound waves to create heart images. TTE is invaluable for evaluating the heart's size, structure, and motion, making it particularly useful for diagnosing...
01:23Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests