Two-dimensional echocardiographic determination of left ventricular volume, systolic function, and mass. Summary and discussion of the 1989 recommendations of the American Society of Echocardiography.

The quantitation of two-dimensional echocardiographic images has been frustrated by the lack of concrete recommendations. The recent statement by the American Society of Echocardiography has rectified that deficiency. This discussion reviews the recommendations of the Society, focusing on the general and technical considerations for quantitation, computational equipment, cavity volume measurements, and the quantitation of left ventricular mass. The author's recent experience with directing a quantitative laboratory is discussed. In particular, the advantage of on-line bedside quantitation and mass storage of images and measured parameters is presented. An example of a digitized study is given along with measuring methodology.