Determination of myocardial contractility using ultrasonic echography

: Ultrasonic echography makes possible the recording of movements of the septum and posterior wall of the left ventricle. On graphic records of good quality it is thus possible to measure accurately the transverse diameter of the left ventricle throughout systole and to determine the average and maximal speeds of decreases in this diameter, which are proportional to the VCF. Echography, a non-invasive technique, thus gives data with regard to myocardial contractility of similar value to the information provided by cineangiocardiography. In those cases where it is not possible to obtain such tracings, an approximation may be made, validity of which appears to be confirmed by clinical experience.