Phase-amplitude images and phase distribution histograms, derived from a temporal Fourier analysis of equilibrium ecg-gated blood pool studies, were used to assess the overall wall motion synchronism and to detect regional wall motion abnormalities in 69 consecutive patients with suspected or documented coronary artery disease, in whom biplane contrast left ventriculography and coronary angiography were performed. Four regions were considered on the 15 degrees caudal left-anterior oblique view radionuclide image, in order to identify the 7 conventional angiographic left ventricular wall segments (as the American Heart Association Council of Cardiovascular Surgery). Regional abnormalities on the phase-amplitude images from the 15 degrees caudal left anterior oblique view scans were studied in order to identify local hypokinesis, akinesis or dyskinesis (in accord to definitions used for contrast cineangiography) relative to seven conventional left ventricular wall segments. Results of phase-amplitude image analysis were compared with those of contrast cineangiography. The parametric images showed overall sensitivity of 82% and 92% respectively towards biplane and monoplane (left anterior oblique) contrast cineangiography, with a high degree of specificity (97%). Most akinetic and dyskinetic segments were correctly identified. A significant phase delay (greater than or equal to 70 degrees) from mean value, always occurred in dyskinetic segments and generally related to the severity of the wall motion abnormality. Lower accuracy was observed for hypokinetic regions; sensitivity was lower for apical and antero-lateral segments.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)