Novel ultrasound contrast agent dilution method for the assessment of ventricular ejection fraction.
OBJECTIVE
Left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction is an important determinant of prognosis in heart failure. We evaluated the accuracy of a novel algorithm for LV ejection fraction quantification based on indicator dilution curve (IDC) principles using ultrasound contrast as indicator, and compared the results with contrast enhanced biplane LV ejection fraction assessment. Method A diluted ultrasound contrast bolus (SonoVue) was injected intravenously in 31 patients (19 male, age 65 +/- 11) with known or suspected heart disease. A total of 68 recordings were made. The developed algorithm used the left atrium and LV IDC for LV ejection fraction measurement. Biplane enhanced LV ejection fraction measurements with pure ultrasound contrast (SonoVue) were determined in multiple four- and two-chamber recordings as reference.


RESULTS
The mean LV ejection fraction measured by biplane and IDC method was 33 +/- 17% and 35 +/- 18%, respectively. A correlation coefficient r = 0.93 was observed between the two methods. Bland-Altman analysis demonstrated a slight LV ejection fraction overestimation with IDC (mean 1.9 +/- 6.3%).


CONCLUSIONS
A new fast method for LV ejection fraction assessment based on IDC principles is described and comparison with contrast enhanced biplane LV ejection fraction quantification shows accurate results.
Jansen
Annemieke
A
Department of Cardiology, Catharina Hospital, Michelangelolaan 2/P.O. Box 1350, 5602 ZA Eindhoven, The Netherlands. annemieke.jansen@cze.nl
Mischi
Massimo
M
Bracke
Frank
F
van Dantzig
Jan Melle
JM
Peels
Kathinka
K
Lamfers
Evert
E
van Hemel
Norbert
N
Korsten
Hendrikus
H
D000368:Aged; D000465:Algorithms; D003287:Contrast Media; D004452:Echocardiography; D005260:Female; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010743:Phospholipids; D013318:Stroke Volume; D013459:Sulfur Hexafluoride; D016277:Ventricular Function, Left
D003287:Contrast Media; D010743:Phospholipids; C420843:contrast agent BR1; D013459:Sulfur Hexafluoride