Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 15, 2026
Four-Dimensional Computed Tomography-Guided Valve Sizing for Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve Replacement
Published on: January 20, 2022
The cardiothoracic ratio--an inaccurate and outdated measurement: new data from CT
Insights
Left ventricular size is crucial for cardiovascular prognosis. A new, practical CT and radiograph measurement technique offers accessible cardiac assessment for all imagers, improving upon the cardiothoracic ratio.
Area of Science:
- Radiology and Cardiology
- Medical Imaging Analysis
- Cardiovascular Diagnostics
Background:
- Cardiomegaly, particularly left ventricular enlargement, holds significant cardiovascular prognostic value.
- Routine cardiac assessment is recommended for thoracic imaging studies (cross-sectional and projectional).
- Existing measurement methods lack practicality, robustness, and availability.
Discussion:
- Schlett et al. introduce a simplified left ventricular assessment technique using transverse CT and digital radiograph measurements.
- The method relies on single-level area and transverse diameter measurements.
- This approach addresses the need for practical and readily available cardiac assessment tools.
Key Insights:
- The study presents a simple, practical tool for left ventricular size assessment applicable to transverse CT and digital radiographs.
- This technique enhances accessibility for cross-sectional imagers.
- It underscores the limitations of the traditional cardiothoracic ratio on chest radiographs.
Outlook:
- Wider adoption of this technique could improve routine cardiac risk stratification.
- Further validation across diverse patient populations is warranted.
- Potential integration into standard PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System) workstations for immediate use.
Abstract:
Cardiomegaly (and left ventricular size in particular) is well recognized to have cardiovascular prognostic significance. Cardiac assessment should be routinely performed when evaluating imaging studies encompassing the thorax, whether cross sectional or projectional. However, such measurements should be robust, readily available and practical. In this issue of European Radiology, Schlett et al. describe such a technique based on single level area and transverse diameter measurements on transverse CT and projection digitally acquired radiographs. This paper is significant as it makes a simple tool for left ventricular assessment readily available to all cross-sectional imagers and highlights the established limitation of cardiothoracic ratio on the chest radiograph.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT
01:20Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System III: X-Ray
Definition and Purpose
An X-ray, or radiograph, is a non-invasive method that uses ionizing radiation to take images of internal structures. It is mainly used in cardiac imaging to examine the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels, aiming to identify abnormalities in the heart's size, shape, and position, such as heart failure, congenital defects, and vascular...
01:10Computed Tomography
The technique was invented in the 1970s and is based on the principle that as X-rays pass through the body, they are absorbed or reflected at different levels. In the technique, a patient lies on a motorized platform while a computerized axial tomography (CAT) scanner rotates...
01:25Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT
01:20Assessment of Ventilation I: Respiratory Rate
A Ventilation assessment is critical for monitoring a patient's health status. Respiration, one of the most accessible vital signs, provides insights into the function of numerous body systems and can indicate serious health issues, such as brainstem injuries from head trauma.
Critical Guidelines for Assessing Ventilation: