[Quantitative analysis of the left ventricular volume curve by digital subtraction angiography]

Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) not only permits visualizing the left cardiac and arterial systems after injecting contrast media intravenously, but enables quantitative and functional analyses of the data collected. This report describes our experiences with several videodensitometric analyses for assessing global and regional left ventricular (LV) functions. 1. Analyses of LV volume curves with contrast media In the conventional cineventriculogram, construction of LV volume curves by the area-length method requires tedious efforts, but with DSA, such curves are provided automatically using videodensitometric analyses. The advantages of the DSA method include; 1) DSA has better contrast resolution than radionuclide angiography. 2) The densitometric technique may offer more accurate results than methods based on geometric assumptions, especially when the LV shape is irregular or when it changes during a single cardiac cycle. 2. Analyses of LV volume curves without contrast media Computer analyses of DSA images without contrast media facilitated the noninvasive evaluation of global and regional LV functions. The method is based on the ability to detect small differences in X-ray absorption by the cardiac silhouette during a single cardiac cycle, without any contrast media. We applied this capability to Fourier analysis using radionuclide angiographic computer programs and succeeded in evaluating regional wall motion abnormalities in patients anterior myocardial infarction. In summary, the videodensitometric analysis of the DSA image is a promising new approach for the clinical of LV function, due to its combined capability of automated computerized analysis similar in radionuclide study, and due to higher contrast resolution just like as LV cineangiography.