Comparison of diagnostic quality of motion picture experts group-2 digital video with super VHS videotape for echocardiographic imaging.
BACKGROUND
Motion Picture Experts Group-2 (MPEG2) is a broadcast industry standard that allows high-level compression of echocardiographic data. Validation of MPEG2 digital images compared with super VHS videotape has not been previously reported.


METHODS
Simultaneous super VHS videotape and MPEG2 digital images were acquired. In all, 4 experienced echocardiographers completed detailed reporting forms evaluating chamber size, ventricular function, regional wall-motion abnormalities, and measures of valvular regurgitation and stenosis in a blinded fashion. Comparisons between the 2 interpretations were then performed and intraobserver concordance was calculated for the various categories.


RESULTS
A total of 80 paired comparisons were made. The overall concordance rate was 93.6% with most of the discrepancies being minor (4.1%). Concordance was 92.4% for left ventricle, 93.2% for right ventricle, 95.2% for regional wall-motion abnormalities, and 97.8% for valve stenosis. The mean grade of valvular regurgitation was similar for the 2 techniques.


CONCLUSIONS
MPEG2 digital imaging offers excellent concordance compared with super VHS videotape.
Harris
Kevin M
KM
Minneapolis Heart Institute, 920 E 28th St, Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55407, USA. kharris@mplsheart.com
Schum
Kevin R
KR
Knickelbine
Thomas
T
Hurrell
David G
DG
Koehler
Jodi L
JL
Longe
Terrence F
TF
D001022:Aortic Valve Insufficiency / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D001185:Artificial Intelligence; D018618:Echocardiography, Doppler, Color; D006352:Heart Ventricles / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008910:Minnesota; D008944:Mitral Valve Insufficiency / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D009040:Motion Pictures; D015588:Observer Variation; D012815:Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted; D014262:Tricuspid Valve Insufficiency / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D014743:Videotape Recording