[Assessment of regional motility by radiological methods (author's transl)]

The present stage of development of angiocardiographic techniques including quantitative videodensitometry, videometry and computerized "digital" X-ray image processing procedures with microprocessor controlled X-ray equipment is discussed. With these techniques a digital videoangiocardiogram can be considered as a matrix of pixel densograms comparable to images obtained from the heart and circulation in nuclear medicine. Using a new technique of contrast enhancement during the capillary phase of the coronary circulation and background subtraction the external ventricular wall as well as the wall thickness can be measured and followed. The importance of the reference system for contraction pattern analysis and interpretation is stressed. In particular with a fixed "external" reference system, the motion or displacement of ventricular contours, the changes of density or "activity" rates at given pixels or areas should not be automatically considered as expressions of normo-, hypo- or akinesis. Motion is not identical with contraction at the site of contour displacement. An internal reference system--adapted to the individual geometry and function of the heart cavity under study--is recommended.