Assessment of left ventricular volumes and ejection fraction with 16-slice multi-slice computed tomography; comparison with 2D-echocardiography

Background In recent years, multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) has emerged as a rapidly expanding modality for non-invasive assessment of coronary artery disease. Simultaneously, left ventricular (LV) function can be evaluated although this is not yet a routine component of an MSCT examination. Accordingly, the purpose of the present study was to validate assessment of LV function with MSCT using 2D-echocardiography in a large cohort of patients. Methods In 70 patients (57 male, 13 female), 16-slice MSCT was performed (Toshiba Aquilion 16, Japan) followed by retrospective analysis of global LV function. For these measurements, 2D-echocardiography served as the standard of reference. Results For LV volumes, excellent correlations for both end-diastolic volume (EDV) (r = 0.97) and end-systolic volume (ESV) (r = 0.98) were obtained by linear regression analysis. At Bland-Altman analysis, mean differences (± standard deviations) of − 1.4 ml ± 11.3 ml and − 3.0 ml ± 7.7 ml were observed between MSCT and 2D-echocardiography for LV EDV and LV ESV respectively. As a result, LV EF was slightly overestimated with MSCT (1.7% ± 4.9%, P < 0.05). Correlation between the two techniques was excellent (r = 0.91). Conclusion In a large cohort of patients, an excellent correlation was observed between 16-slice MSCT and 2D-echocardiography in the evaluation of LV volumes and EF. The addition of LV function analysis to the anatomical MSCT data may potentially enhance the diagnostic and prognostic value of the technique.