Three-dimensional echoventriculography

A method of generating a three-dimensional image of the human left ventricle by computer techniques is described. The volume of each image was estimated by a modification of Simpson's rule. The method was applied to nine suitable patients and estimations of end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes were compared to volumes determined by cineangiography. Significant linear correlation coefficients of 0.95 and 0.94 were obtained for end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes, respectively. The standard errors of estimate were 9 ml for end-diastolic volumes and 7 ml for end-systolic volumes. The value of this methodology lies in the ability to estimate left ventricular volumes with accuracy, using an imaging technique of little inconvenience and no risk to the patient and computer hardware that is readily available at most clinical institutions.