Digital subtraction angiography of the left ventricle.

Twenty-eight patients have been studied by left ventricular angiography and digital subtraction angiography, using either a peripheral venous injection (16) or a central venous injection (12) of contrast medium. Digital subtraction angiography compared favourably to angiography in the qualitative assessment of left ventricular size and function. Measurement of ejection fraction demonstrated a good correlation (r = 0.83) between digital subtraction angiography and left ventricular angiography. In the assessment of left ventricular segmental wall motion the use of a central venous injection, particularly in those patients with severely impaired ventricular function, proved superior to the use of a peripheral injection.