Figure 5.

Relationship between LV distention and EFE amount. (a) Representative echo images and Masson's Trichrome-stained slides sectioned along the long axis. Mild LV distention created mild EFE (Grade 2) (upper row), whereas severe LV distention created severe EFE (Grade 4) (lower row). White dots in the echo images delineate the contour of the LV endocardium. Black scale bar, 1 mm; white scale bar, 200 μm. (b) Comparison of the LV dimensions and fractional shortenings between Grade 2, 3 EFE cases and Grade 4 EFE cases (^* P < 0.01).