Sensitivity and Specificity of M-Mode and Cross-Sectional Echocardiographic Findings in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease

The most common echocardiographic technique for evaluating the left ventricle utilizes dimensions between the interventricular septum and the posterior left ventricular wall. By obtaining diastolic and systolic dimensions one can gain knowledge concerning the size of the left ventricle and the manner in which it is functioning. Investigators have used these dimensions to estimate ventricular volumes and measure fractional shortening and circumferential shortening. Unfortunately, there are well-recognized limitations to this echocardiographic technique (1, 2, 3). These limitations are extremely important in the setting of ischemic heart disease.