The centerline method for assessing regional ventricular function correlated highly with area ejection fraction (r = 0.97) and infarct size estimated from creatine kinase release (r = -0.78).
Does the centerline method accurately characterize regional ventricular function compared to other methods?
The centerline method provides a robust, geometry-independent approach for quantifying regional ventricular wall motion abnormalities that correlates well with infarct size.
Effect estimate: r = 0.97
We sought to identify theoretical advantages and applications of the centerline method for quantitative assessment of regional ventricular function. Motion was measured along 100 chords constructed perpendicular to a centerline drawn midway between the end-diastolic and end-systolic contours, and normalized for heart size. Abnormality was expressed in units of standard deviations from the mean motion in a normal reference population to indicate both the severity and significance of the wall motion abnormality. The mean abnormality averaged over 100 chords correlated highly with the area ejection fraction (r = .97). The centerline method uses a "sliding window" to measure motion where it is abnormal, because assessment of wall motion in predefined regions of the ventricular contour underestimates abnormality. From the 100 data points, the extent (% of contour) of regional abnormalities can also be determined. The severity of hypokinesis at the site of acute myocardial infarction correlated better with infarct size estimated from creatine kinase release (r = -.78) than did the ejection fraction or the circumferential extent of hypokinesis. Because the centerline method measures motion along locally determined vectors, and requires no apex, origin, coordinate system, or geometric reference figure, it can be applied to contours as dissimilar as the 60 degree left anterior oblique projection of the left ventricle and the 75 degree left anterior oblique projection of the right ventricle.
Sheehan et al. (Fri,) conducted a other in Regional ventricular dysfunction and acute myocardial infarction. Centerline method vs. Area ejection fraction and predefined region assessment was evaluated on Correlation of mean abnormality with area ejection fraction (r = 0.97). The centerline method for assessing regional ventricular function correlated highly with area ejection fraction (r = 0.97) and infarct size estimated from creatine kinase release (r = -0.78).