Figure 1. Principles for the assessment of LVM by echocardiography, as recommended by the American Society of Cardiology (ASE).²⁰ Images from ‘c)’ to ‘e)’ refer to a schematic representation of the steps for the estimation of left ventricular myocardial volume, as initially proposed by Devereux et al.²⁸ LVM is then calculated multiplying the myocardial volume by the specific gravity of myocardium (1.05 g).

a) A prolate ellipsoid of revolution, or prolate spheroid, is a three-dimensional figure formed by revolving an ellipse about its major axes. The ASE-recommended formula assumes that the left ventricle has a prolate ellipsoid of revolution shape, with minor radii that are half the major radius.

b) Schematic representation of the linear measurements for the assessment of LVM by echocardiography (para-esternal view), according to the ASE recommendations. 1-interventricular septum thickness (IVST); 2- Left ventricular internal dimension (LVID); 3- posterior wall thickness (PWT).

c) Calculation for the total left ventricular volume (Volume_T).

d) Calculation for the left ventricular internal cavity volume (Volume_C).

e) Calculation for the left ventricular myocardial volume (Volume_M).

f) The current ASE-recommended formula for the assessment of LVM. It is based in the initial concepts, but includes correction factors derived from regression analysis.^20,35