Cardiac Imaging to Evaluate Left Ventricular Diastolic Function

JACC Cardiovasc Imaging. 2015 Sep;8(9):1071-1093. doi: 10.1016/j.jcmg.2015.07.004.

Abstract

Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in clinical practice is generally diagnosed by imaging. Recognition of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction has increased interest in the detection and evaluation of this condition and prompted an improved understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of different imaging modalities for evaluating diastolic dysfunction. This review briefly provides the pathophysiological background for current clinical and experimental imaging parameters of diastolic dysfunction, discusses the merits of echocardiography relative to other imaging modalities in diagnosing and grading diastolic dysfunction, summarizes lessons from clinical trials that used parameters of diastolic function as an inclusion criterion or endpoint, and indicates current areas of research.

Keywords: cardiac magnetic resonance; computed tomography; diastolic dysfunction; echocardiography; heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF); left ventricular function.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Diagnostic Imaging / methods*
  • Diastole*
  • Echocardiography
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Prognosis
  • Radionuclide Ventriculography
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / diagnosis*
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / physiopathology
  • Ventricular Function, Left*