Intra-observer and interobserver variability of biventricular function, volumes and mass in patients with congenital heart disease measured by CMR imaging

Int J Cardiovasc Imaging. 2010 Jan;26(1):57-64. doi: 10.1007/s10554-009-9501-y. Epub 2009 Sep 16.

Abstract

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging provides highly accurate measurements of biventricular volumes and mass and is frequently used in the follow-up of patients with acquired and congenital heart disease (CHD). Data on reproducibility are limited in patients with CHD, while measurements should be reproducible, since CMR imaging has a main contribution to decision making and timing of (re)interventions. The aim of this study was to assess intra-observer and interobserver variability of biventricular function, volumes and mass in a heterogeneous group of patients with CHD using CMR imaging. Thirty-five patients with CHD (7-62 years) were included in this study. A short axis set was acquired using a steady-state free precession pulse sequence. Intra-observer and interobserver variability was assessed for left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) volumes, function and mass by calculating the coefficient of variability. Intra-observer variability was between 2.9 and 6.8% and interobserver variability was between 3.9 and 10.2%. Overall, variations were smallest for biventricular end-diastolic volume and highest for biventricular end-systolic volume. Intra-observer and interobserver variability of biventricular parameters assessed by CMR imaging is good for a heterogeneous group of patients with CHD. CMR imaging is an accurate and reproducible method and should allow adequate assessment of changes in ventricular size and global ventricular function.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Child
  • Female
  • Heart Defects, Congenital / diagnosis*
  • Heart Defects, Congenital / physiopathology
  • Heart Ventricles / pathology
  • Heart Ventricles / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Cine*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Observer Variation
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Stroke Volume*
  • Ventricular Function, Left*
  • Ventricular Function, Right*
  • Young Adult