MRI MEASUREMENT OF LEFT-VENTRICULAR FUNCT ION BY SINGLE-SLICE MULTIPHASE TECHNIQUE

MRI measurement of left ventricular function by single-slice technique requires a strong correlation between slice volume and total ventricu lar volume. The best correlation was found in a short-axis-view 4 cm b elow the valves (slice 5, r = 0.9897; Y = 0.1575x + 0.5133). The regre ssion coefficient depended on the enddiastolic volume index. The systo lic contraction velocity correlated best in slice 5 (Vsyst (5) = 63.4 +/- 17.3 ml/s vs. V svst.gesamt = 406.8 +/- 89.6 ml/s; r = 0.728). The early diastolic relaxation velocity was most reliable in slice 6 (3 c m below the valves; V diast (6) = 55.4 +/- 16.5 ml/s vs. V diast.gesam t = 358.0 +/- 77.2 ml/s; r = 0.759). In case of intact ventricular geo metry the single-slice technique permits the evaluation of systolic an d diastolic left ventricular function.