INFLUENCE OF MEASUREMENT INACCURACIES ON DETERMINATION OF LEFT-VENTRICULAR MASS BY M-MODE ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY

Objective-To determine to what extent inaccuracies in measuring the en d diastolic diameter of the left ventricle, the interventricular septu m, and the posterior wall, by M mode echocardiography influence the le ft ventricular mass calculated by the Devereux's formula. Design-Mathe matical model. Results-Relatively small measurement inaccuracies such as 5%, which are known to be inherent in the echocardiographic method, will result in ''changes'' of left ventricular mass in the range of 8 % to 15%. This is equivalent to expected changes in left ventricular m ass seen during treatment. Conclusions-The use of Devereux's formula t o calculate left ventricular mass is limited by measurement inaccuraci es in individual patients.