[Proceedings: Echocardiography for the diagnosis of left ventricular hypertrophy].

An echocardiographic and electrocardiographic evaluation of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) was carried out in 50 patients with chronic pressure or volume overload of the left ventricle, and in 16 patients with cardiomyopathy. In contrast to the ECG, echocardiography permitted good differentiation of ventricular dilatation, symmetrical and asymmetrical wall thickening. Positive voltage criteria (SOKOLOFF) were found in 76% of cases with abnormal muscle mass, but the height of QRS amplitude showed no close correlation with the degree of LVH. The presence of absence of ST/T changes was an unreliable index in predicting wall thickness. The practical value of echocardiagraphy in the differential diagnosis of left ventricular disorders is discussed.