Measure the gap! A proposed simplified approach for measuring the descent of the base of the left ventricle.
The evaluation of left ventricular systolic function represents a common request for an echocardiographic examination. Several parameters have been proposed to quantitate left ventricular systolic function. The descent of the base of the left ventricle is founded on sound principle but currently requires multiple, time-consuming steps to derive during an echocardiographic examination. This article has reviewed the basic tenet of the descent of the base, reviewed the current required echocardiographic measurements needed to obtain a descent of the base value and has proposed a simplified approach by measuring the gap seen during the routine calculation of left ventricular end-systolic volume, end-diastolic volume, and ejection fraction by the recommended method of discs.
Reynolds
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School of Cardiac Ultrasound, Arizona Heart Institute Foundation, Phoenix 85006, USA.
D004452:Echocardiography / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D013599:Systole; D016277:Ventricular Function, Left / Q000502:physiology*