Videodensitometric processing of contrast two-dimensional echocardiographic data.
We developed a computer program to analyze videodensity changes due to contrast appearance within a given operator-designated rectangle using two-dimensional echocardiograms previously recorded on videotape. Videodensity curves have been obtained from two-dimensional echocardiographic recordings in 14 patients after a total of 32 injections of 5% dextrose solution into the left ventricle during cardiac catheterization. The resulting videodensity vs time curves have some characteristics of indicator-dilution curves. The decay phase of these curves is largely mono-exponential. Potential clinical applications of this technique in measurement of ejection fraction, cardiac output and shunt quantification are discussed, as well as some potential limitations.
D003201:Computers; D003720:Densitometry / Q000379:methods; D004452:Echocardiography / Q000379:methods*; D005947:Glucose; D007201:Indicator Dilution Techniques; D014743:Videotape Recording
D005947:Glucose