Quantitative analysis of left ventricular function as a tool in clinical research. Theoretical basis and methodology.
The usefulness the left ventricular ejection fraction as a surrogate endpoint in clinical trials has been confirmed by numerous studies. However, if this approach is to be applied successfully, images must be acquired in a rigorously controlled manner, and it is advisable to use measurement units that have been specifically developed for quantitative analysis of the imaging parameters obtained with current imaging techniques. This review summarizes what is now known about the left ventricular ejection fraction and left ventricular volumes, discusses the importance of measurement units in image analysis, and describes the different imaging techniques available. Finally, there is a discussion of how to select the best imaging technique for specific clinical applications.
San Román
José Alberto
JA
Servicio de Cardiología, Hospital Clínico Universitario, Valladolid, Spain. asanroman@secardiologia.es
Candell-Riera
Jaume
J
Arnold
Roman
R
Sánchez
Pedro L
PL
Aguadé-Bruix
Santiago
S
Bermejo
Javier
J
Revilla
Ana
A
Villa
Adolfo
A
Cuéllar
Hug
H
Hernández
Carolina
C
Fernández-Avilés
Francisco
F
D002309:Cardiology / Q000639:trends*; D004452:Echocardiography; D023381:Endpoint Determination; D006321:Heart / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009206:Myocardium / Q000473:pathology; D015635:Radionuclide Ventriculography; D012106:Research; D013318:Stroke Volume; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016277:Ventricular Function, Left / Q000502:physiology*