Feasibility of ventricular function analysis by digital subtraction angiography.
Continuous or cine mode of digital subtraction angiography (DSA) following intravenous injection of contrast media was evaluated in regard to feasibility of obtaining physiologic data in cardiac abnormalities. Computer programs for cardiac function analysis including stroke volume, ejection fraction and display of left ventricular wall motion in end-diastole and end-systole have been developed with use of automatic contour plotting and densitometry for depth information. Experiments with contrast-filled balloons demonstrated good correlation between the true volumes and the calculated volumes. Clinical study also demonstrated good correlation between the values obtained from conventional left ventriculography and DSA.