Abstract：Objective: To explore the characteristics of normal left ventricle(LV) segmental volumetric parameters using real-time three dimensional echocardiography(RT-3DE) combined with semi-automatic boundary detection method. Methods: Thirty-six healthy adults were studied. Using RT-3DE combined with semi-automatic boundary detection method, a series of segmental LV volumetric parameters were measured, which were segmental end diastolic volume(sEDV), segmental end systolic volume(sESV) and segmental stroke volume(sSV). Then all the parameters in different segments were compared respectively. Results: ①Segmental volume-time curves of normal LV are “U-shaped” and uniform, and the coordinates of curve peak and valley are nearby. ②Comparing between segments of corresponding LV wall, sEDV, sESV and sSV decrease from basal segments to apical segments. However, there are no statistical differences between middle segments and apical segments of most LV walls. ③Comparing groups along LV longitude, segmental volumes of basal-segment group are larger than those of mid-segment group and apical-segment group. However, there are no statistical differences between mid-segment group and apical-segment group. ④Comparing groups along LV circumference, segmental volumes of anterior, anteroseptal and lateral segment group are largest, those of posterior and septal segment group take 2nd place, and those of inferior segment group are smallest. Conclusions: RT-3DE can conveniently and accurately evaluate normal LV segmental volumetric parameters, and volumetric parameters of different LV segments are heterogeneity.
2008, Vol. 19 
