Effective end-systolic volume of the left ventricle and its contribution to cardiac function indexes

The end-systolic pressure-volume relationship (ESPVR) is related to the combination of left ventricular (LV) end-systolic elastance (Emax) and an extrapolated volume term (Vo). While ESPVR primarily and explicitly depends on effective end-systolic volume (EESV=ESV- Vo), the possible role of this term remains virtually undocumented. Therefore, we analysed the characteristics of EESV and its contribution to indexes currently employed in assessing LV function. Results show that EESV is significantly correlated with ESV, as well as with other LV functional indexes.