Aim of the study was to validate 2D echocardiography (2DE) for quantifying left ventricular aneurysm (LVA). Assessment if the initial parameters of LVA size could predict the choice of surgical technique.
Material and method: Group 1 consisted of 10 patients with LVA who underwent 2DE and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a reference method. Apical 4-chamber plane was used in both techniques to determine LVA area and volume (area-length method). Group 2 consisted of 33 patients with LVA who underwent surgical endoventriculoplasty (EVP): 18 with patch (P), 15 without patch. 2DE was performed before and after surgical procedure. LVA-area, LVA-volume were determined.
Results: Group 1 (2DE/MRI): Mean LVA-area and LVA-volume in 2DE were 17.5 +/- 6 cm2 and 62.6 +/- 32 ml, respectively, and in MR, they were 20.9 +/- 7 cm2 and 65.5 +/- 35 ml, respectively. Excellent correlation was found between 2DE and MRI: r = 0.85 for LVA-area and r = 0.81 for LVA volume (p < 0.001). 2DE underestimated LVA measurements in comparison with MRI results. Group 2 (surgical patients): Mean LVA-area was 15 cm2, LVA-volume 50 ml. LVA exceeding 50 ml was considered as large. 2DE LVA size estimation was in agreement with surgical assessment. All but one patient with LVA-volume surpassing 56 ml were operated on with P. EVP without P was done for smaller LVA.
Conclusion: 1. With MRI as a reference method, 2DE can accurately quantify LVA size providing information about disturbances in LV geometry. 2. 2DE parameters of LVA-area and LVA-volume are valuable in planning operative method of EVP.