title: Analysis and interpretation of thickening and thinning phases of left ventricular wall dynamics.
abstract: The assessment of cardiac function by cardiac ultrasound has traditionally relied upon such indices as shortening fraction, systolic time intervals and ratio, mean velocity of circumferential fiber shortening, thickening fraction of the septum and free wall. Almost all of these parameters are related to systolic function. Data regarding diastolic function have been limited. The purpose of this discussion is to describe the utilization of computer-assisted analysis of digitized M-mode echocardiograms of the left ventricular chamber and free wall. In addition to providing information about the diastolic phase indices of the cardiac cycle, computer analysis of the M-mode echocardiogram may prove to be more sensitive as well. For the purpose of this discussion, the cardiac entity of cardiomyopathy has been used to serve as a model for the application of this technique.
mesh_terms: D009202:Cardiomyopathies / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002648:Child; D003201:Computers; D004452:Echocardiography; D006801:Humans; D009200:Myocardial Contraction