Rationale and objective: We devised to test the feasibility of measuring the left and right ventricular sizes by non-contrast electron beam tomographic images.
Methods: Ventricular sizes consist of the sum of the intracavitary cavity and myocardial mass for each ventricle. A total of 50-image studies from subjects undergoing contrast-enhanced studies were used to develop the measurement methodology. About 20 contrast studies were used to test the measure. The methodology was then prospectively tested on 75 patients with non-contrast studies to estimate the intra-observer, inter-observer and inter-study reproducibility.
Results: Multiple linear regression analysis was completed and the correct regression formulas to calculate ventricular volumes were acquired by using the area and span from the contrast studies. There was excellent correlation between the estimate of LV (r > 0.97, p < 0.001) and RV (r > 0.93, p < 0.001) sizes between measured and calculated (contrast, single slice) left and right ventricular volumes. The intra-observer, inter-observer and inter-study reproducibility demonstrated excellent results with < 7% difference in absolute values and a high correlation (r > 0.89, p < 0.001).
Conclusion: We conclude that the left and right ventricular sizes can be accurately estimated from a single mid-ventricular slice on non-contrast electron beam tomographic images.