Comparative analysis of echocardiography, multispiral computed tomography, myocardial perfusion scintigraphy to evaluate left ventricular volume and left ventricular ejection fraction

Abstract

Aim. To perform a comparative analysis of multislice computed tomography (MSCT), echocardiography and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) in the evaluation of left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LV EDV) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Methods. The study included 44 patients (15 female, 29 male) aged of 21 to 73 years (mean age 55±11 years). LV EDV and LVEF were assessed by noninvasive MSCT coronary angiography. echocardiography and SPECT were also performed. Results. There was a statistically significant difference found between the LV EDV medians for the following pairs: MSCT vs Quantitative Gated SPECT (QGS), MSCT vs SPECT using 4D MSPECT regimen, MSCT vs echocardiography. There was no statistically significant difference determined for the following pairs: echocardiography vs SPECT, QGS SPECT vs 4D MSPECT. Difference between the LV EDV were calculated using the Bland-Altman method as following: MSCT vs echocardiography - 55±33 ml, MSCT vs QGS SPECT - 38±29 ml, MSCT vs 4D MSPECT - 30±33 ml. Differences in the LVEF evaluation methods were: MSCT vs echocardiography - 2,5±7,2%, MSCT vs QGS SPECT - 0,9±8,3%, MSCT vs 4D MSPECT - 1,2±8,1%. The highest LV EDV values were registered by MSCT, the lowest - by echocardiography, with the values registered by SPECT lying in between MSCT and echocardiography volumes. Conclusion. MSCT, echocardiography and SPECT present different left ventricular volume and similar LVEF data.