[Comparative study of echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging in the assessment of left ventricular mass].
OBJECTIVE
Echocardiography is a widely applied technique for the estimation of left ventricular mass, although magnetic resonance is considered as a reference method for this purpose. Both techniques were compared in the present study and the usefulness of a simplified method of calculation by magnetic resonance was also tested.


METHODS
Left ventricular mass was determined in 42 patients by M-mode echocardiography by the application of two equations: the so-called Penn's convention and that proposed by the American Society of Echocardiography. Magnetic resonance studies were also performed, left ventricular mass being estimated from an anatomical method (summation of contiguous transverse ventricular slices) that was considered as a reference, and also by means of a geometrical method (planimetry on a single longitudinal view).


RESULTS
Echocardiographic studies were judged as technically inadequate in 3/42 (7%) patients, while magnetic resonance was performed in all cases. Comparison between each echocardiographic method and the anatomical method of magnetic resonance showed a coefficient correlation of r = 0.70 (Penn's convention formula), and r = 0.71 (American Society of Echocardiography), with an overestimation being observed, particularly with Penn's convention method. The geometrical method of magnetic resonance showed an excellent correlation with the anatomical technique (r =0.93).


CONCLUSIONS
Magnetic resonance is more applicable for the estimation of left ventricular mass than M-mode echocardiography, with the latter showing an overestimation when compared with magnetic resonance, particularly with the Penn's convention method. A simplified method of geometrical estimation of left ventricular mass by magnetic resonance is a reliable alternative to the anatomical method.
Pons Lladó G
Sección de Imagen Cardíaca. Servicios de Cardiología y Radiodiagnóstico. Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau. Barcelona. gponsl@meditex.es
Carreras
F
F
Borrás
X
X
Llauger
J
J
Palmer
J
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006352:Heart Ventricles / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014463:Ultrasonography