Comparison of MPEG-1 digital videotape with digitized sVHS videotape for quantitative echocardiographic measurements

Digital format is rapidly emerging as a preferred method for displaying and retrieving echocardiographic studies. The qualitative diagnostic accuracy of Moving Pictures Experts Group (MPEG-1) compressed digital echocardiograp hic studies has been previously reported The goals of the present study wer e to compare quantitative measurements derived from MPEG-1 recordings with the super-VHS (sVHS) videotape clinical standard Six reviewers performed bl inded measurements from still-frame images selected from 20 echocardiograph ic studies that were simultaneously acquired in sVHS and MPEG-1 formats. Me asurements were obtainable in 1401 (95%) of 1486 MPEG-1 variables compared with 1356 (91%) of 1486 sVHS variables (P < .001). Excellent agreement exis ted between MPEG-1 and sVHS 2-dimensional linear measurements (r = 0.97; MP EG-1= 0.35[sVHS] + 1.1 mm; P < .001; Delta = 9% +/- 10%), 2-dimensional are a measurements (r = 0.83), color jet areas (r = 0.87, p < .001), and Dopple r velocities (r = 0.32, P < .001). Interobserver variability was similar fo r both sVHS and MPEG-1 readings. Our results indicate that quantitative off -line measurements from MPEG-1 digitized echotardiographic studies are feas ible and comparable to those obtained from sVHS.