Global and regional left ventricular function assessment with 16-detector row CT: Comparison with echocardiography and cardiovascular magnetic resonance

Aims: To compare multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT) global and regional Left ventricular (LV) function assessment with echocardiography and cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR). Methods and results: In 25 patients, who were referred for noninvasive angiography with 16-detector row CT, LV function assessment was also performed. A subsequent echocardiogram was performed, and in a subgroup of patients, CMR examination was completed to evaluate LV function. For global function assessment, the LV ejection fraction (LVEF) was calculated. Regional LV function was scored using a 17-segment model and a 4-point scoring system. MDCT agreed well with echocardiography for the assessment of LVEF (r = 0.96; bias 0.54%; p < 0.0001) and regional LV function (kappa = 0.78). Eight patients had no contra-indications and gave informed consent for CMR examination. A fair correlation between MDCT and CMR was demonstrated in the assessment of LVEF (r = 0.86; bias -1.5%; p < 0.01). Regional LV function agreement between MDCT and CMR was good (kappa = 0.86). Conclusion: MDCT agreed well with both echocardiography and CMR in the assessment of global and regional LV function. Global and regional LV function may accurately be evaluated by 16-detector row CT, and can be added to a routine CT image analysis protocol without need for additional contrast or imaging time. (C) 2005 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of The European Society of Cardiology.