Influence of measurement inaccuracies on determination of left ventricular mass by M mode echocardiography.

Abstract

To determine to what extent inaccuracies in measuring the end diastolic diameter of the left ventricle, the interventricular septum, and the posterior wall, by M mode echocardiography influence the left ventricular mass calculated by the Devereux's formula. Mathematical model. Relatively small measurement inaccuracies such as 5%, which are known to be inherent in the echocardiographic method, will result in "changes" of left ventricular mass in the range of 8% to 15%. This is equivalent to expected changes in left ventricular mass seen during treatment. The use of Devereux's formula to calculate left ventricular mass is limited by measurement inaccuracies in individual patients.