A semi-automatic method for left ventricle volume estimate: an in vivo validation study

This study aims at the validation of left ventricular (LV) volume estimates obtained by processing volumetric data utilizing a segmentation model based on a level-set technique. The validation has been performed by comparing real-time volumetric echo (RT3DE) data and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data. A validation protocol has been defined; it was applied to 24 estimates (range 61-467 ml) obtained from normal and pathological subjects who underwent both RT3DE and MRI analyses. A statistical analysis was performed on each estimate and on clinical parameters such as stroke volume (SV) and ejection fraction (EF). Assuming the MRI estimates (x) as a reference, an excellent correlation was found with the volume measured by utilizing the segmentation procedure (y): y=0.89x+13.78 (r=0.98). The mean error on SV was 8 ml and the mean error on EF was 2%. This study demonstrated that the segmentation technique is reliably applicable to human hearts in clinical practice