Which can predict left ventricular size and systolic function: cardiothoracic ratio or transverse cardiac diameter

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Radiology
• Cardiac Imaging

Background:

• Left ventricular (LV) size and systolic function are crucial in assessing cardiac health.
• The cardiothoracic ratio (CTR) and transverse cardiac diameter (TCD) are common radiographic measurements.
• Understanding their correlation with LV parameters is vital for diagnosing and managing heart conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between CTR, TCD, and LV size and systolic function.
• To compare these associations in patients with preserved versus depressed LV ejection fraction (LVEF).

Main Methods:

• 181 subjects with suspected coronary artery disease underwent chest radiography (CR) and dual-source CT coronary angiography (DSCT-CA).
• TCD and CTR were measured from CR; LV end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), LV end-systolic volume (LVESV), and LVEF were measured from DSCT-CA.
• Associations were analyzed based on LVEF (<55% depressed, ≥55% preserved).

Main Results:

• Both TCD and CTR were higher in the depressed LVEF group.
• Significant correlations were found between TCD, CTR, and LV parameters (LVEDV, LVESV, LVEF) in the depressed LVEF group.
• TCD correlated positively with LVEDV and LVESV in the preserved LVEF group, while CTR did not show significant associations.

Conclusions:

• CTR is not a reliable indicator of LV size and function in patients with preserved LVEF.
• CTR correlates with LV size and LVEF in patients with depressed LVEF.
• TCD demonstrates stronger correlations with LV size and systolic function, even in patients with preserved LVEF.