[2-dimensional computed echocardiography. The potentials and limitations of the method in determining the global and...

To study the possibilities of two-dimensional echocardiography (2EchoCG) in evaluating total and regional left ventricular contractility using computerized quantification as compared to biplane contrast ventriculography (CVG) 50 subjects were examined. There was a good correlation between the values of the end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes and the ejection fraction obtained by the two techniques (r = 0.79-0.86) when the volume parameters were calculated by the disk method using Simpson's rule. When the "area-length" method of calculation was used the correlation factors were somewhat lower; 2EchoCG was shown to underestimate the volume parameters and the ejection fraction as compared to CVC. The analysis of regional contractility determined by the method of area changes in a floating axis system revealed high sensitivity and specificity of 2EchoCG as compared to CVG data, the sensitivity being highest when the lateral and septal left ventricular regional contractility was analyzed and lowest when decreased regional contractility was revealed in the inferior area.