Ultrasound Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Ultrasound, including details on screening, diagnosis, pregnancy, detection.

Global and regional left ventricular function assessment with 16-detector row CT: comparison with echocardiography and cardiovascular magnetic resonance.

Salm LP, Schuijf JD, de Roos A, Lamb HJ, Vliegen HW, Jukema JW, Joemai R, van der Wall EE, Bax JJ

Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands.

AIMS: To compare multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT) global and regional left ventricular (LV) function assessment with echocardiography and cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR). METHODS AND RESULTS: In 25 patients, who were referred for noninvasive angiography with 16-detector row CT, LV function assessment was also performed. A subsequent echocardiogram was performed, and in a subgroup of patients, CMR examination was completed to evaluate LV function. For global function assessment, the LV ejection fraction (LVEF) was calculated. Regional LV function was scored using a 17-segment model and a 4-point scoring system. MDCT agreed well with echocardiography for the assessment of LVEF (r=0.96; bias 0.54%; p<0.0001) and regional LV function (kappa=0.78). Eight patients had no contra-indications and gave informed consent for CMR examination. A fair correlation between MDCT and CMR was demonstrated in the assessment of LVEF (r=0.86; bias -1.5%; p<0.01). Regional LV function agreement between MDCT and CMR was good (kappa=0.86). CONCLUSION: MDCT agreed well with both echocardiography and CMR in the assessment of global and regional LV function. Global and regional LV function may accurately be evaluated by 16-detector row CT, and can be added to a routine CT image analysis protocol without need for additional contrast or imaging time.

Published 10 July 2006 in Eur J Echocardiogr, 7(4): 308-14.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2004-2008 Ultrasound Research Today. All Rights Reserved.