Evaluation of left ventricular function and volumes after aortic valve replacement in patients with normal coronary arteries: A comparative study of two-dimensional echocardiography and radionuclide angiography

Two-dimensional echocardiography (2D Echo) and radionuclide angiography (RNA) are commonly used to assess the left ventricular (LV) volumes and function in patients after aortic valve replacement (AVR). Comparison of the data obtained by the two techniques is frequently required. Since an abnormal LV shape could adversely effect the results of these tests, this study evaluated a correlation of 2D Echo and RNA in patients without coronary artery disease after AVR. Twenty-one patients were studied (14 males, 7 females). There was a significant (p < 0.0001) correlation between the two techniques in measuring the end-diastolic volumetric index (EDVI) (r = 0.81, SEE = 42 ml/m²), the end-systolic volumetric index (ESVI) (r = 0.91, SEE = 21 ml/ m²), and LV ejection fraction (EF) (r = 0.81, SEE = 0.10). The RNA volumetric measurements were significantly higher than those by 2D Echo; EDVI by 40% and ESVI by 30%. However the LVEF measurements by the two techniques were not statistically different. This comparison of RNA and 2D Echo in post AVR patients without coronary disease supports the following conclusions: (i) the two techniques have a good correlation; (ii) when the results obtained by the two techniques are compared, it should be done with an understanding that RNA volumetric measurements are usually higher than those of 2D Echo. Thus, normality criteria should be different for the two techniques.