What is evaluated during a LV angiogram?

What is evaluated during a LV angiogram?

• A. EF and LV wall motion
• B. Coronary artery patency
• C. Aortic valve gradients
• D. Pulmonary artery pressures

Answer: (A)

Left ventriculography directly visualizes how the left ventricle contracts by injecting contrast and imaging the chamber as it fills and empties. From these cine images you can quantify how much blood is ejected with each beat (ejection fraction) and assess regional wall motion—seeing if segments move normally or are hypokinetic, akinetic, or dyskinetic. These are the key aspects of LV systolic function that the test is asking about. Coronary artery patency, aortic valve gradients, and pulmonary artery pressures are determined by other studies: coronary patency is evaluated with coronary angiography, aortic valve gradients require invasive pressure measurements or Doppler, and pulmonary artery pressures need right-sided catheterization.

Left ventriculography directly visualizes how the left ventricle contracts by injecting contrast and imaging the chamber as it fills and empties. From these cine images you can quantify how much blood is ejected with each beat (ejection fraction) and assess regional wall motion—seeing if segments move normally or are hypokinetic, akinetic, or dyskinetic. These are the key aspects of LV systolic function that the test is asking about.

Coronary artery patency, aortic valve gradients, and pulmonary artery pressures are determined by other studies: coronary patency is evaluated with coronary angiography, aortic valve gradients require invasive pressure measurements or Doppler, and pulmonary artery pressures need right-sided catheterization.