New noninvasive computerized method for the area measurement of the dicrotic notch.

Measurement of the area of the dicrotic notch is an important noninvasive diagnostic procedure in cardiocirculatory evaluation. The methodology for measuring the magnitude of the dicrotic notch has varied considerably, ranging from visual inspection to the use of microcomputer technology. The current computerized method provides a quantitative exactitude when compared to polar planimetry. Coefficients of correlation (r) were 0.89 and highly significant (p less than 0.01). Furthermore, the current method circumvents densitometric placement variation between repeated measurements.