Quantification of left ventricular infarcted mass on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging: comparison between planimetry and the semiquantitative visual scoring method.

Objective: To compare a new semiquantitative visual scoring method with quantitative digital planimetry for determining left ventricular infarcted mass by use of cardiac delayed contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging.

Method: Seventy-seven patients with previous myocardial infarction underwent delayed contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging using a 1.5T device for assessing myocardial viability and calculating the infarcted mass.

Valve Resistance in Mitral Stenosis: Its Determinants and its Role in the Evaluation of the Disease.

To evaluate the value and the determinants of valve resistance in mitral stenosis, 95 patients with pure mitral stenosis were examined by Doppler echocardiography during their clinical follow-up, measuring cavity dimensions, left ventricular function, mitral area (by planimetry and pressure half time), mean transmitral pressure gradient, aortic flow, and pulmonary artery systolic pressure. The mitral resistance was calculated as mean transmitral pressure gradient/aortic flow ratio. To graduate the severity of the morphological abnormalities in valvular structure, we used a point score system with evaluation of leaflet and subvalvular thickness, calcification, and valvular mobility.