[Echocardiographic evaluation of left ventricular function in man]

Comparison of ultrasound and invasive measurements has shown that accuracy and reproducibility of echocardiographic assessment of left ventricular performance are suitable for clinical use. We determined the influence of changes in heart rate, afterload, inotropic state and diastolic cycle length after premature beats and in atrial fibrillation on various ejection phase indices of myocardial contractility in man. Mean and maximal velocity of circumferential fiber shortening (VCF mean' VCF max) showed a slight increase during rapid atrial pacing. In contrast fractional shortening (FS%) and delta-VCF were not influenced by acute changes in heart rate. During intravenous infusion with Dobutamine VCF max and delta-VCF proved to be particular sensitive indices of left ventricular function. After permature beats and in atrial fibrillation the results indicate a linear correlation between all indices of the ejection phase and diastolic cycle length.