Evaluation of left ventricular diastolic performance using automated border detection

Acoustic quantification (AQ) is a noninvasive technique which provides onli ne left ventricular (LV) area/volume waveforms. The filling portion of the AQ waveform can be used to assess LV diastolic properties. Analysis of sign al-averaged AQ curves enhances the waveforms and allows reliable, quantitat ive, and automated analysis. From signal-averaged AQ LV waveforms, the phas es of diastole can be easily detected and several parameters of diastolic p erformance calculated. Analysis of signal-averaged LV waveforms is compleme ntary to that of LVAQ analysis. AQ has been used to identify diastolic dysf unction, in patients with LV hypertrophy and systemic hypertension. Normal values of these parameters are age dependent and reference values will soon be available.