The Open General & Internal Medicine Journal

2007, 1 : 6-12
Published online 2007 September 4. DOI: 10.2174/1874076600701010006
Publisher ID: TOGMJ-1-6

Normal Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Measurements and Interobserver Discrepancies in Volumes and Mass Using the Papillary Muscle Inclusion Method

Jeffrey L. Anderson , Aaron N. Weaver , Benjamin D. Horne , Heath U. Jones , Gerri K. Jelaco , Julie A. Cha , Hector E. Busto , Judy Hall , Kathy Walker and Duane D. Blatter
LDS Hospital Cardiovascular Department, 8th Avenue & C Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84143, USA.

ABSTRACT

Background:

The potential of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging to provide precise and reproducible measurements might not be realized currently.

Methods:

We acquired CMR images on 30 healthy adults and compared readings of 2 experienced physicians to determine sources of measurement variability.

Results:

Simultaneous review of tracings revealed 3 major sources of interobserver variability: 1) choice of enddiastolic/ end-systolic frames; 2) choice of the most basal left and right ventricular short-axis slices; and, 3) approach to endocardial edge selection.

Conclusion:

CMR-derived volumes and mass are measurement-methodology specific. Formal measurement rules and improved computerized edge detection algorithms are needed.

Keywords:

Cardiac magnetic resonance, interobserver variability, measurement.