Measuring Ejection Fraction by Planimetry

In the parasternal long-axis view, left ventricular ejection fraction is estimated from the left ventricular internal diameters. However, if the patient has regional wall motion abnormalities, abnormal left ventricular geometry, or bundle branch block, a more reliable estimate is obtained by planimetry. In planimetric assessment, the left ventricular endocardium is carefully traced at both end-diastole and end-systole in the apical four-chamber (A4C) and two-chamber (A2C) views. The ultrasound system then automatically calculates the left ventricular end-diastolic volume, end-systolic volume, and ejection fraction using the Simpson’s method.

Video: Estimation of left ventricular ejection fraction by planimetric tracing of the endocardium in the apical four-chamber view.

Video: Estimation of left ventricular ejection fraction by planimetric tracing of the endocardium in the apical two-chamber view.