A simple single slice method for measurement of left and right ventricularenlargement by electron beam tomography

Rationale and objective: We devised to test the feasibility of measuring th e left and right ventricular sizes by non-contrast electron beam tomographi c images. Methods: Ventricular sizes consist of the sum of the intracavitar y cavity and myocardial mass for each ventricle. A total of 50 image studie s from subjects undergoing contrast-enhanced studies were used to develop t he 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 in ter-study reproducibility. Results: Multiple linear regression analysis was completed and the correct regression formulas to calculate ventricular vol umes were acquired by using the area and span from the contrast studies. Th ere was excellent correlation between the estimate of LV (r > 0.97, p < 0.0 01) and RV (r > 0.93, p < 0.001) sizes between measured and calculated (con trast, single slice) left and right ventricular volumes. The intra-observer , inter-observer and inter-study reproducibility demonstrated excellent res ults with <7% difference in absolute values and a high correlation (r > 0.8 9, p < 0.001). Conclusion: We conclude that the left and right ventricular sizes can be accurately estimated from a single mid-ventricular slice on no n-contrast electron beam tomographic images.