[First-tracer passage with a single-crystal gamma camera: completed assessment of left-ventricular function by...

Determination of left ventricular (LV) enddiastolic volume (EDV) was achieved by calibration of the system (single-crystal gamma camera, equipped with a converging collimator) to a volume phantom (egg). A good correlation (r = 0.92) was found with EDV values, obtained from cineventriculography. Images, derived from enddiastole (ED) and endsystole (ES) were corrected for background by "parabolic background subtraction", which is a realistic form of background correction in view of the LV-shape. Regional ejection fraction (REF) was calculated by an electronical operation using the ejection fraction formula and these ED and ES images. REF values reflect regional or segmental LV pump function and are superior to one- or two-dimensional parameters (e.g. visual assessment of asynergy, hemiaxis shortening) since REF values include the third dimension by referring to regional volumes. In addition, per cent-akinetic segment may be replaced by REF. Results from the literature show that first-tracer passage with a single crystal gamma camera at rest (n = 534) yield equivalent results in comparison with cineventriculography. Therefore, this nuclear procedure may be routinely used. REF values complete the diagnostic parameter as yet available.