Comparison of short and long axis methods in cardiac MR imaging and echocardiography for left ventricular function

The purpose of this study was to compare long axis and short axis methods in cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and echocardiography for the evaluation of left ventricular function and mass.

The study included 15 patients with a history of myocardial infarction and 5 patients with normal ventricular function who were examined with cardiac MRI and echocardiography. Left ventricular function and mass analyses calculated with Simpson's method from short axis images were compared to the results of horizontal long axis, vertical long axis, and combined axes methods. In addition, results obtained from echocardiography were compared to the short axis method in cardiac MRI.

In the patient group, there was no significant difference between ejection fraction calculated by modified Simpson's analysis in echocardiography and short axis imaging in cardiac MRI. In cardiac MRI, there was significant difference between ejection fractions assessed from both horizontal and vertical long axis images, and those assessed from short axis images. There was no significant difference in both patient and control groups between end-diastolic volume determined from short axis and end-diastolic volume determined by horizontal long axis, vertical long axis, and combined long axes. Significant difference between the patient and control groups was observed in end-diastolic volume calculated by modified Simpson's echocardiographic method.

The present study demonstrated that there were no significant advantages of simplified MRI techniques over modified Simpson's method echocardiography. Therefore, patients who cannot be evaluated by echocardiography optimally should be evaluated by short axis cine MRI sequence.