Anatomic M-mode, a pertinent tool for the daily practice of transthoracic echocardiography.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to compare anatomic M-mode (AMM), a new echocardiographic postprocessing option, and conventional M-mode (CMM) using fundamental imaging and tissue harmonic imaging. METHODS: Transthoracic echocardiography was performed in 15 selected patients to analyze the reproducibility of AMM and in 47 patients to assess its clinical value versus CMM. Acquisitions were performed successively: CMM fundamental imaging; CMM tissue harmonic imaging; tissue harmonic imaging cineloops for AMM; and fundamental imaging cineloops for AMM. Quantitative analysis was performed offline. The angle alpha between the CMM line and the septal endocardial interface was calculated and the expected percentage of error in measuring left ventricular diameter was derived. RESULTS: AMM analysis was reproducible. Optimal AMM full echocardiographic definition was obtainable in 77% of the population, whereas CMM was optimal for 49% because of scan line misalignment, causing a measurement overestimation exceeding 5%. CONCLUSION: The ability with AMM to reduce the alpha angle to 0 degrees and, thus, avoid overestimation of left ventricular dimensions might improve follow-up in several pathologic conditions.     

Comparison between fundamental and second-harmonic imaging echocardiography for calculation of left ventricular mass in children

In adults, calculation of left ventricular mass (LVM) has been shown to give higher values when based on M-mode measurements obtained by the second-harmonic imaging (SHI) technique than with the older fundamental imaging (FI) technique. No information is available in paediatric subjects. This study, therefore, compares LVM calculated from measurements obtained with SHI and FI in 14 children, aged 6.9-13.0 years. M-mode tracings were obtained in accordance with American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) recommendations. Three experienced sonographers performed measurements on each subject with both SHI and FI. The mean value was used in all calculations. LVM was calculated according to ASE convention and indexed by body surface area. LVM mean values were 58.9 +/- 9.7 g m(-2) for SHI and 57.8 +/- 8.2 g m(-2) for FI (P = 0.45). This preliminary study in a small group of paediatric subjects demonstrates no systematic differences between FI and SHI modalities in the calculation of LVM. The likely explanation is that the left ventricular endocardial border is usually well visualized with SHI as well as with FI in children.     

Harmonic imaging improves estimation of left ventricular mass

OBJECTIVES: To assess the effect of tissue harmonic imaging (THI) on assessment of left ventricular mass index (LVMI) measurements by M-mode trans-thoracic echocardiography, when compared with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHODS: 20 hypertensive male subjects were studied. LVMI was measured in all subjects by both gradient-echo MRI (Lscelsint Prestige 1.9 T) and by transthoracic echocardiography (ATL HDI 5000). M-mode echocardiography recordings were taken for each patient, two with fundamental imaging (FI) and two using THI in a randomised order and the images unlabelled. Recordings were analysed off-line, by a blinded observer. LVMI by MRI was calculated using Simpson's rule on serial short axis slices of 8 mm thickness. Data are expressed as mean +/- SD. RESULTS: There was a difference in LVMI measurements between FI and THI (LVMI) (79 +/- 20 vs. 93 +/- 25 g2; p < 0.001). A lower mean difference was obtained by THI, compared to FI, when compared with MRI (2 +/- 15 vs. -32 +/- 22 g2; p < 0.001) suggesting that FI underestimates LVMI. Inter-observer variability was similar between THI and FI (4.5 +/- 15 vs. 6.4 +/- 15 g2; p = 0.46). CONCLUSION: In hypertensive males, M-mode echo derived from FI underestimated LVMI. These results imply that widely accepted reference ranges for LVMI using FI are not applicable when THI is used.     

Does second harmonic imaging improve left ventricular endocardial border identification at higher heart rates during dobutamine stress echocardiography?

BACKGROUND: The increased heart rate during dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) may impair endocardial border visualization. Second harmonic imaging (SHI) enhances left ventricular (LV) border visualization compared with conventional fundamental imaging (FI) at rest. However, its role during DSE is not well established yet. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to compare the additional value of SHI to FI for the LV endocardial border visualization during various stages of DSE. METHODS: Eighty patients underwent DSE. Imaging was performed with both FI and SHI at rest and at low-and peak-dose dobutamine infusion. Endocardial border visualization was assessed by using a 16-segment/3-point score (0 = well visualized; 1 = poorly visualized; 2 = not visualized). RESULTS: Heart rate increased from rest (70 +/- 13 bpm) to low-dose dobutamine (77 +/- 17, P <.01) and showed further increase at peak dose (129 +/- 16, P <.001 versus low dose). There was a higher prevalence of segments with an invisible LV endocardial border with FI compared with SHI at rest (9.4% versus 6.2%, P <.0001), at low dose (10.8% versus 6.3%, P <.0001), and at peak dose (15.0% versus 8.2%, P <.0001). There was an increase in the number of segments with an invisible border from rest to peak stress by FI (P =.0001), whereas the difference was less significant for SHI (P =.07). CONCLUSION: Second harmonic imaging improves visualization of the LV endocardial border compared with FI during DSE. The advantage of SHI over FI is more marked at higher heart rates than at rest.     

High-frame-rate tissue harmonic imaging enhances anatomic M-mode sections of the left ventricle in short-axis view.

BACKGROUND: High-frame-rate echocardiography (HFRE) and tissue harmonic imaging (THI) may improve image quality, thereby enabling anatomic M-mode sections of left ventricular (LV) wall segments to be visualized in various planes in the short-axis view. OBJECTIVES: The goals of this study were to compare image quality between HFRE and conventional-frame-rate echocardiography (CFRE) and between fundamental imaging (FI) and THI, and to obtain anatomic M-mode values of basal short-axis LV segments from healthy subjects for use in the evaluation of abnormal segments in patients with myocardial infarction (MI). METHODS AND RESULTS: The study included 28 healthy subjects and 15 patients with MI who underwent 2-dimensional echocardiography with an ultrasonographic system equipped with THI and anatomic M-mode. Left ventricular image cineloops at the basal short-axis view that were obtained with 3 combinations of imaging techniques (FI + CFRE, FI + HFRE, and THI + HFRE) were digitized and displayed side-by-side in random order for comparison by blinded readers. M-mode sections were done in 3 planes: anteroseptal-posterior, inferoseptal-lateral, and anterior-inferior basal segments. The THI + HFRE combination showed the best image quality with significant reduction in noise artifacts, resulting in a good signal-to-noise ratio and good tractability of all LV segments by anatomic M-mode. In healthy subjects, significant intersegmental differences existed in the diastolic and systolic thicknesses and in the percent systolic thickening of LV segments. In patients with MI, LV systolic thickening was significantly decreased in abnormal segments. No significant differences were noted in ejection fraction and fractional shortening among the 3 anatomic M-mode planes. CONCLUSION: High-frame-rate tissue harmonic imaging improved image quality, thereby allowing reproducible anatomic M-mode measurements in various planes in the short-axis view and providing a convenient objective evaluation of global and regional LV function.     

改进的解剖M型超声心动图对左室短轴局部心肌运动速度的评价

目的了解应用改进的解剖M型超声心动图技术评价局部心肌运动速度的可行性。方法随机选取40例正常人和25例扩张型心肌病(DCM)心衰患者,应用改进的解剖M型超声对胸骨旁左室短轴切面三个水平的前间隔和后壁的收缩期、舒张早期及舒张晚期的峰值速度(即S峰、E峰、A峰)分别进行采集和测量。并在组织多普勒超声定量组织速度成像模式(QTVI)下,分别检测相应的峰值速度,比较两种技术在测量相同部位和时相峰值速度的差异及相关性。同时应用改进的解剖M型技术对短轴同一平面(乳头肌水平)各个节段局部心肌的三个时相运动速度进行比较。再由两个检测者应用此技术在双盲条件下,对乳头肌水平部分峰值速度进行重复性检验。结果改进的解剖M型超声测值与组织多普勒测值较接近,但前者多数略高于后者。一致性检验显示,在正常组和DCM心衰组有部分数据两种技术的测值差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。相关性分析显示,两种技术检测结果相关性好。应用改进的解剖M型技术对同一平面各个节段局部心肌运动速度进行比较,仅在小部分峰值速度略有差异。两个检测者的重复性检验结果未见统计学差异(P>0.05)。结论改进的解剖M型超声在评价心肌局部运动方面是一种可行的、有待开发完善的新技术。     

应用改进的解剖M型超声检测正常人左室径向应变率

目的通过改进的解剖M型超声（AMM）径向应变率（SR）检测,评价正常人左室短轴局部心功能。方法获取31例健康志愿者左室短轴乳头肌平面6个室壁节段的解剖M型曲线,将曲线图像输入改进的解剖M型后处理系统,该系统可提取各室壁内、外膜的峰值运动速度。径向应变率=（内膜速度-外膜速度）/室壁厚度。结果正常人左室乳头肌平面各室壁节段舒张早期峰值径向应变率略高于收缩期,其中在下、后壁的差异显著（P〈0.05）;下壁、后壁、侧壁的收缩期及舒张早期峰值径向高于间隔侧及前壁。结论改进的解剖M型超声径向应变率检测可用于评价左室短轴各节段的局部心功能;正常人左室壁各节段径向应变率不是均匀一致的,可能与心肌的解剖结构特点有关。     

An assessment of tissue harmonic versus fundamental imaging modes for echocardiographic measurements

The study aimed to evaluate whether a significant difference exists between tissue harmonic imaging (THI) and fundamental imaging (FI) in routine quantitative echocardiographic assessment. We also examined the effects of THI on endocardial definition (ED). Fifty-eight unselected patients (29 men, 29 women; mean age 53 years) referred for transthoracic echocardiography were studied with use of both FI and THI modes. Two independent observers made M-mode measurements of the following: left atrium, aortic root, and left ventricular internal dimensions and wall thickness; they also measured left ventricular outflow tract diameter and left atrial area from 2-dimensional images. Endocardial definition was assessed with use of an arbitrary scoring system (0 = endocardium not visualized, 1 = endocardium visualized but suboptimally, 2 = endocardium well defined) and the American Society of Echocardiography 16-segment model. No significant difference existed between cardiac measurements derived from FI and THI. However, a highly significant improvement in ED occurred with THI (ED index 1.83 versus 1.70, P <.0001). This study suggests that no systematic differences exist in standard echocardiographic measurements between THI and FI, even in the setting of improved ED.     

自然组织谐波成像在胆道疾患中的应用价值

目的：通过与常规超声即基波成像的对比观察,探讨自然组织谐波成像在胆道疾患中的应用价值。方法：采用数字式超声诊断仪基波成像和自然组织谐波成像分别对60例各种胆道疾患患者和60例正常人进行胆道系统超声检查对比分析。结果：1、自然组织谐波成像的60例各种胆道疾患中胆囊隆起性病变、胆囊结石、胆总管结石、胆总管下端占位清晰显示率分别为100％、100％、93％、80％;而基波成像清晰显示率则分别为80％、90％、60％、40％,二者呈显著差异（P＜0．05）。总显示率自然组织谐波成像均在100％,而基波成像分别为100％、100％、87％、60％,后二者也呈显性差异;2、在超声检查的60例正常人对照组中,自然组织谐波成像的胆囊轮廓、胆囊壁层次显示清晰者为99％胆总管显示率为98％;而基波成像者则分别为90％和93％。二者有一定差异,但无统计学意义（P＞0．05）。结论：自然组织谐波成像对胆道系统疾患的超声图像能明显地改善信噪比和分辨率,提高二维图像质量。尤其是对胆总管疾患的声像图改善更为突出。自然组织谐波成像在检查胆道疾患中有极高的应用价值。     

Harmonic imaging in fetal echocardiography.

Noncontrast harmonic imaging (HI) has been shown to improve image quality in adults with poor acoustic windows. The utility of fetal echocardiography may be limited by suboptimal acoustic windows, and the use of HI in fetal echocardiography has not previously been defined. The purpose of this study was to compare the quality of fundamental imaging (FI) and HI in fetal echocardiography. Sixty-two fetal echocardiograms, including 44 (71%) with limited acoustic windows, were performed with the use of FI and HI. Image quality and visualization of the ventricles, valves, and the aortic and ductal arches were evaluated and compared between FI and HI. Mean HI scores were higher than mean FI scores for all the structures evaluated. Compared with FI, HI improved the image quality and visualization of cardiac structures in this group of fetuses with predominantly suboptimal acoustic windows. Harmonic imaging is a useful adjunct to FI in echocardiography, and the benefits of HI extend to cardiac imaging in the fetus.     

Mitral valve leaflet excursion velocity in the pediatric population: a comparable diastolic index to the color M-mode propagation velocity.

Color M-mode (CMM) Doppler flow propagation velocity (Vp) is a reliable diastolic index, but may be difficult to define. We hypothesized that because the valve is opened by flow, the anterior mitral leaflet excursion velocity (MEVApex ), interrogated from the cardiac apex, may be similar to the CMM-Vp. We investigated the MEVApex by apical M-mode echocardiography in 49 children and adolescents with normal echocardiograms, and compared it with the CMM-Vp and other indices. The mean CMM-Vp and MEVApex were similar (41.5 +/- 6 vs 40 +/- 5.7, respectively, mean +/- SD; P = .5) and correlated positively ( r = 0.71, P < .0001, Bland-Altman analysis). The peak velocity of mitral inflow (E wave) divided by the Vp (E/Vp) and E/MEVApex correlated well (2.54 +/- 0.58 vs 2.52 +/- 0.58, respectively, mean +/- SD; r = 0.857, P < .001, Bland-Altman analysis). The MEVApex is comparable with the CMM-Vp and the E/MEVApex with E/Vp. The Vp may be assessed either by CMM or conventional M-mode from the apex. In our experience, the latter is easier to do. Study in other populations is warranted.     

解剖M型技术评价PTCA及支架置入术后左室室壁运动

目的应用解剖M型超声心动图(AMM)评价经皮腔内冠状动脉成形术(PTCA)及支架置入术前后左室室壁运动的改变。方法全组45例,为进行冠状动脉左前降支(Left anterior descending,LAD)PTCA及支架植入的患者,在术前72h、术后72h及3个月时分别进行超声心动图检查,AMM测量左室短轴基底段(二尖瓣水平)和中段(乳头肌水平)前间隔、前壁的收缩期增厚率及室壁运动幅度。结果45例患者术后72 h及3个月检查显示,LAD对应节段(前壁和前间隔)的收缩期增厚率及室壁运动幅度均较术前显著增高(P<0.05,P<0.01)。结论PTCA及支架置入术能迅速改善狭窄冠状动脉供血区域的室壁运动。采用AMM测量对应室壁节段的收缩期增厚率及室壁运动幅度能准确评价PTCA及支架置入术的疗效。     

Transesophageal 3-dimensional echocardiography: in vivo determination of left ventricular mass in comparison with magnetic resonance imaging.

The objective of this study was to assess the accuracy and reproducibility of transesophageal 3-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) in comparison with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the in vivo calculation of left ventricular mass (LVM). In addition, mass values obtained by M-mode echocardiography were compared with those calculated by MRI. Three-dimensional reconstruction of the left ventricle was performed from a transesophageal and transgastric transducer position with a multiplane transducer in 20 patients. Left ventricular mass was calculated from both transducer positions by using slices of various thicknesses, ranging from 5 to 20 mm. Reproducibility was determined by 5 repeated measurements of mass in each of 5 randomly selected left ventricles. M-mode echocardiography was performed according to the method described by Devereux. For MRI, multiple short-axis views with 10-mm slice thickness were acquired in inspiration hold. Correlation was high for mass determined by 3DE and MRI (for 10-mm slice thickness: r = 0.99; y = 0.99 x - 0.7 g; standard error of estimate = 8.5 g; P <.001). There was no statistical bias, and the limits of agreement ranged from +/-16.4 g to +/-27.2 g, depending on the slice thickness. Variability was lowest for a slice thickness of 10 mm (SD +/- 8.2 g). The reproducibility of mass determination was excellent (mean width of the 95% CI 12.8 g). Left ventricular mass values calculated from the transgastric and transesophageal transducer position were not different from each other (mean bias 0.6 +/- 9.1 g; P = ns). M-mode-based LVM calculations showed systematic overestimation and large measurement variability (bias 23.7 g; 95% CI +/- 92.8 g). Compared with MRI, transesophageal 3DE is an accurate and reproducible method for the determination of LVM and clearly superior to M-mode echocardiography.     

Usefulness of free-angle M-mode echocardiography in assessing left ventricular dimension and left ventricular systolic function

Objectives To assess the usefulness of free-angle M-mode echocardiography in measuring left ventricular (LV) dimension and global systolic function. Background The validity of conventional M-mode echocardiography in assessing LV dimension and global systolic function is well known; the incidental angle between the M-mode cursor and true LV minor axis diameter, however is a potential cause of measurement error. Free-angle M-mode echocardiography may overcome the limitation of M-mode cursor arrangement in conventional M-mode echocardiography. Methods Thirteen normal volunteers and 10 patients in whom abnormal left ventricular wall motion was not detected by echocardiography (mean age, 53±17 years) were enrolled in this study. Conventional and free-angle M-mode echocardiographic images of the LV were obtained by echocardiography (ALOKA SSD-5500) using a 2.5-MHz transducer, and the LV end-diastolic (LVDd) and end-systolic (LVDs) dimensions were measured by the leading edge method. LV end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes were calculated using a formula by Teichholz, and the LV ejection fraction (LVEF) was obtained. Data from conventional M-mode echocardiography and free-angle M-mode echocardiography were then compared. Results Measurements obtained with conventional M-mode and free-angle M-mode echocaardiography were strongly correlated. Correlation coefficients for LVDd, LVDs, and LVEF were 0.98, 0.98, and 0.96, respectively (p<0.001 in each case). Conclusions Assessment of left ventricular dimension, and global systolic function with free-angle M-mode can be as accurate as conventional M-mode in subjects in whom left ventricular wall motion abnormality is not detectable by echocardiogram. Moreover, when there is improper M-mode cursor direction in conventional echocardiography, free-angle M-mode echocardiography can assess global left ventricular systolic function more accurately and conveniently than conventional M-mode echocardiography.     

计算机辅助彩色M型超声心动图无创估测肺血管阻力的研究

目的 评价自行设计的计算机软件辅助彩色M型超声心动图无创估测肺血管阻力(PVR)的可行性及准确性.方法 20例先天性心脏病患者和20例正常儿童为研究对象,应用彩色M型超声心动图检测肺动脉血流传播速度(VPE)并进行比较;应用自行设计的计算机软件测量先心病患者的肺动脉血流传播速度(VPC),并与右心导管技术所测的PVR对比.结果 先天性心脏病患者彩色M型超声测得的VPE明显低于正常儿童[(38.38±18.89)cm/s对(80.34±15.65)cm/s,P＜0.01],且与心导管所测的PVR值显著相关(r=-0.69,P＜0.01).计算机软件测得VPC与PVR高度相关(r=-0.78,P＜001),且重复性较好.VPC＜35.910预测PVR＞16 kPa·S·L-1的灵敏性为92.9%,特异性为100%.结论 应用计算机辅助彩色M型超声心动图技术测量肺动脉血流传播速度可以比较准确地无创估测肺血管阻力.     

二次谐波显像评价冠脉血流储备和狭窄程度的实验研究

目的：探讨二次谐波显像在定量评价冠脉血流储备和冠脉狭窄程度的价值。方法：采用二次谐波显像技术对１１条冠脉不同狭窄程度的动物模型进行心肌声学造影。结果：正常或狭窄冠脉灌注区心肌的造影时间－强度曲线的曲线下面积（ＡＵＣ）在罂粟碱介入前后的相对变化率与用电磁流量计测定的冠脉血流量的相对变化率即冠脉血流储备的相关性良好（ｒ＝０．７７,Ｐ＝０．０００２）;而且狭窄冠脉支配的心肌缺血区在罂粟碱介入前后ＡＵＣ的相对变化率与冠脉狭窄程度也有一定的相关性（ｒ＝０．７２,Ｐ＝０．０２。结论：二次谐波显像技术可以定量评价冠脉狭窄后冠脉血流储备的变化,并且在一定范围内定量反映冠脉狭窄程度     

Doppler tissue imaging improves assessment of abnormal interventricular septal and posterior wall motion in constrictive pericarditis.

We hypothesized that Doppler tissue imaging in the short axis would provide enhanced quantitative information for differentiating the pattern and extent of abnormal septal and posterior wall motion in constrictive pericarditis (CP). Using quantitative pulsed wave and color M-mode Doppler tissue imaging, we quantified the pattern of abnormal septal and posterior wall motion and studied its incremental advantage over conventional M-mode and 2-dimensional echocardiography in 40 patients with surgically proven CP. The pattern and extent of abnormalities were compared with 35 age- and sex-matched control subjects and 20 patients with abnormal septal motion of other causes. In 33 patients (82.5%) with CP, the interventricular septum showed high-velocity (>7 cm/s) early diastolic biphasic motion with or without multiple recoil waves (polyphasic diastolic septal fluttering). In the posterior wall, the early diastolic wave was normal but the late diastolic wave was reduced in 24 patients (60%) and absent in 7 (17.5%). In comparison, M-mode and 2-dimensional echocardiography identified abnormal septal or posterior wall motion in 24 patients (60%) ( P = .003). The pattern of abnormal septal motion in CP could be differentiated from abnormal septal motion of other causes in 16 patients (80%). The overall sensitivity and specificity of high-velocity polyphasic septal flutter for differentiating CP from control cases and other diseases was 82.5% and 92.7%, respectively. In CP, Doppler tissue imaging in the short axis provides unique diagnostic information and reliably differentiates CP from control cases and most other causes of abnormal septal motion.     

超声心动图对等容收缩期内心肌收缩形式的再认识

目的 通过M型及组织多普勒超声心动图探讨等容收缩波时间内心肌的收缩形式。方法 通过M型超声心动图获取等容收缩波时间内左心室横向上前后径及心肌厚度的变化;组织多普勒超声心动图获取左心室心肌等容收缩波时间内纵向上的位移及形变。结果 横向上左心室前后径在等容收缩波时间内增大,心肌变薄;纵向上左心室心肌在等容收缩波时间内缩短,即纵向上左心室上下径减小。结论 左心室心肌在等容收缩期内的收缩并不是等长的收缩。     

左室心肌质量三维超声心动图与MRI测值的对比研究

目的　以磁共振显像技术为对照标准 ,探讨动态三维超声技术测量左室心肌质量的准确性。方法　 33例患者分别应用经胸 M-型、二维、三维超声心动图检查和磁共振检查测定左室心肌质量。结果　以磁共振测量的心肌质量为标准 ,M-型、二维和三维超声心动图测定的心肌质量与 MRI法测值的相关系数分别为0 .90、 0 .91和 0 .98(P均 <0 .0 5 ) ;配对 t检验表明 ,M-型超声法测定值明显高于 MRI心肌质量测定值 [(2 0 8.91± 6 4 .18) g vs(182 .97± 5 5 .0 8) g,SEE=12 .2 6 g,P<0 .0 5 ],而二维超声面积 -长度法 [(181.0 2± 5 9.6 7) g]和三维超声心动图法心肌质量测定值 [(181.83± 5 5 .4 7) g]与 MRI法测定值之间则无显著性差异 (P均 >0 .0 5 ) ,SEE分别为 8.91g、 4 .2 2 g。结论　以磁共振显像为对照标准 ,三维超声测量心肌质量的准确性显著高于 M-型超声和二维超声心动图技术     

Comparison of myocardial gated single photon emission computerised tomography, planar radionuclide ventriculography and echocardiography in evaluating left ventricular ejection fraction, wall thickening and wall motion

Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and wall thickening are fundamental aspects of cardiac function. Recently, gated single photon emission computerised tomography (GSPECT) and anatomical M-mode echocardiography are new techniques, which have been introduced for the evaluation of left ventricular wall thickening and ejection fraction. These, however, have not been evaluated against established techniques, including equilibrium radionuclide ventriculography (ERNV), which remains the current gold standard for the evaluation of LVEF. We examined the concordance between LVEF, wall motion and wall thickening scores derived from GSPECT, echocardiography and ERNV, in a group of 16 patients with suspected ischaemic heart disease. Estimated ejection fraction correlated better between ERNV and gated SPECT (R2 = 0.93) than between echocardiography and either gated SPECT (R2 = 0.62) or ERNV (R2 = 0.71). There was poor correlation between gated SPECT and anatomical M-mode echocardiography in the assessment of wall thickening (83/150, 56%; kappa= 0.31, p < 0.05) and similar correlation (100/150, 66%; kappa = 0.29, p < 0.01) for wall motion analysis. In conclusion, estimations of ejection fraction by all the three studied modalities agreed to a degree sufficient for routine clinical practice. However, estimates of wall thickening from echocardiography cannot be used interchangeably with those derived from gated myocardial perfusion SPECT.