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A new method for quantification of left ventricular systolic function using a corrected ejection fraction
European Heart Journal – Cardiovascular Imaging, 01/10/2011
Exclusive author commentary
MacIver DH – The study shows that the ejection fraction (EF) is determined by absolute wall thickening and provides a nomogram for comparing EF when left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is present. The corrected EF (EFc) is a potential new measure of left ventricular systolic function. Its possible role will need validating in mortality trials.
David H. MacIver (01/11/2011) comments:
The left ventricular ejection fraction is used as measure of left ventricular function however it has a relatively poor correlation with symptoms and prognosis. Therefore, strives are being made to improve the assessment of left ventricular function.
Newer measures such as myocardial shortening (e.g. myocardial strain) appear to be better measures of prognosis but are difficult and time consuming to obtain. In hypertrophic left ventricular disease the ejection fraction is often normal despite a reduced myocardial shortening.
The corrected ejection fraction (EFc) is a potential novel measure of ventricular function that holds promise in improving the reliability in assessing prognosis. Similar to the corrected QT (QTc) which corrects for heart rate, the EFc corrects for the presence of left ventricular hypertrophy and the reduced strain observed.
The EFc may improve the evaluation of left ventricular function and outlook.
