[Functional evaluation of left ventricular dynamics by use of 2-dimensional echocardiography: comparison with left ventriculography and assessment of normal 2-dimensional echocardiographical values].

The role of 2-dimensional echocardiography was comparatively evaluated to left ventriculography, with special reference to determinations of left ventricular volume (enddiastolic volume, endsystolic volume), ejection fraction, systolic and diastolic wall stress and left ventricular muscle mass. Prior to left ventriculography, 25 consecutive patients were examined by 2-dimensional echocardiography. There were significant correlations (2-dimensional echocardiography, left ventriculography) between left ventricular volumes, ejection fractions and left ventricular muscle mass. No sufficient correlation was found for systolic wall stress, mainly because of the different wall thickness calculations. Good correlation for systolic wall stress was found when left ventricular dimensions (enddiastolic volume, enddiastolic radius), systolic pressure and M-Mode wall thickness (Ratshin technique) was employed. Methodological combination of measurements of wall thickness by M-Mode echocardiography and measurement of ventricular dimensions by 2-dimensional echocardiography represents a useful advantage in the evaluation of systolic wall stress and left ventricular muscle mass. On the basis of these analyses, 22 healthy volunteers were examined and normal values were established.