title: Quantitative analysis of left ventricular function as a tool in clinical research. Theoretical basis and methodology.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Cardiología, Hospital Clínico Universitario, Valladolid, Spain. asanroman@secardiologia.es
authors.forename: José Alberto
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: San Román
authors.forename: Jaume
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Candell-Riera
authors.forename: Roman
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Arnold
authors.forename: Pedro L
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Sánchez
authors.forename: Santiago
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Aguadé-Bruix
authors.forename: Javier
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bermejo
authors.forename: Ana
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Revilla
authors.forename: Adolfo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Villa
authors.forename: Hug
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Cuéllar
authors.forename: Carolina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hernández
authors.forename: Francisco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Fernández-Avilés
mesh_terms: 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*