Regional three-dimensional geometry of the normal human left ventricle using cine computed tomography

Abstract

The aim of this study is to provide accurate three-dimensional measurements of left ventricular geometrical indices in relation to regional myocardial function. The analysis of the three-dimensional regional geometry and function of left ventricles of ten normal human volunteers is based on three-dimensional reconstructions of the left ventricle from cine computed tomography images, at end diastole and end systole, demonstrating normal left ventricular spatial, geometrical, and functional variability. Regional wall thickness, curvature and surface normals, as well as wall thickening and endocardial wall motion, are calculated and mapped for the entire left ventricle. The circumferential asymmetry of the left ventricle is reflected by the smaller circumferential and meridional curvatures at the septum. Thickening is highest at the anterior and lateral walls. Longitudinally, circumferential curvature increases toward the apex, whereas both wall thickness and wall thickening at end systole are largest at the midventricular level, decreasing toward the apex and base. This study describes the circumferential and apex-to-base variations in regional left ventricular geometric parameters of the normal human left ventricle, using three-dimensional imaging and analysis.

Three-dimensional Systolic Strain Patterns in the Normal Human Left Ventricle: Characterization with Tagged MR Imaging

“…Our E RR values corresponded approximately to midwall thickening of 46%-80%. These data are in closer agreement with the other wall thickening estimates based on cine computed tomography (average, 66% ± 12 [40]; approximately 125% at the middle level [41]), short-axis cine MR imaging (56% ± 24 basally to 91% ± 29 apically [36]), and radially tagged MR imaging (55% ± 4 [39]). Lessiek et al (40) observed increasing base-to-apex gradients of thickening of approximately 50% ± 15 basally to 72% ± 18 apically; these values are in good agreement with those in our study.…”

The regional elastic properties analysis of myocardium based on echocardiographic 3-D reconstruction of the left ventricle

“…Modern heart diagnostic methods ensure opportunities to visualize cardiac walls and, thus, to calculate the regional heart wall shortening and thickness (Azhari et al 1990;Buck and Erbel 1995;Lessick et al 1996). This information is useful for quantitatively characterizing the myocardium functional state in different heart wall regions.…”

Examine Thy Heart With All Diligence

“…For example, EBCT successfully assessed variations in wall thickness and motion in both animals 31 and humans 32 at different cardiac levels. Similarly, the DSR was capable of evaluating the thickening and rate of motion of the cardiac wall.…”