Left ventricular function from computer processed magnetic resonance images

Cross-sectional magnetic resonance (MR) images of the heart from nine male and ten female normal subjects were computer processed to establish normal templates of left ventricular function. Ventricular volumes at end-diastole and end-systole were significantly greater in males than females but ejection fractions were identical. For analysis of regional endocardial motion, the use of a floating centroid gave more uniform values compared with a fixed centroid method. Endocardial motion values were not significantly different for males and females. The data obtained can be used to define abnormalities of left ventricular function in patients with heart disease. Male/female differences in ventricular volume will require separate templates but it appears that analysis of ejection fraction and regional endocardial motion can be performed from the same templates for males and females