The abbreviation "LV Gram" in a medical context refers to Left Ventriculography. It's a procedure used to visualize the left ventricle of the heart, providing crucial information about its function and structure. This article will delve into the details of LV gram, its procedure, the information it provides, related procedures, and its significance in cardiovascular diagnostics.
Ventriculography (LV Gram): A Detailed Examination
Left ventriculography (LVG) is an invasive cardiac procedure that involves injecting contrast dye into the left ventricle of the heart. This allows for visualization of the left ventricle's chambers, walls, and valves during the cardiac cycle. The images are acquired using fluoroscopy, a type of real-time X-ray imaging. The resulting images provide a dynamic assessment of the left ventricle's function, including ejection fraction (EF), wall motion, and the presence of any structural abnormalities.
The procedure typically begins with a cardiac catheterization. A catheter, a thin, flexible tube, is inserted into a blood vessel, usually in the groin or arm, and advanced under fluoroscopic guidance to the left ventricle. Once the catheter is in the appropriate position, a contrast agent is injected. The contrast agent temporarily increases the radiopacity of the blood, making the left ventricle clearly visible on the X-ray images. The images are recorded during multiple cardiac cycles, allowing for a comprehensive assessment of the left ventricle's function throughout systole (contraction) and diastole (relaxation).
Left Heart Cath with LV Gram:
The LV gram is often performed as part of a broader left heart catheterization. This comprehensive procedure involves accessing the left side of the heart via a catheter inserted into a peripheral artery (usually femoral). Besides the LV gram, a left heart cath typically includes:
* Coronary angiography: This assesses the coronary arteries for blockages or narrowing, identifying potential causes of coronary artery disease (CAD).
* Left atrial pressure measurement: This determines the pressure within the left atrium, providing information about left-sided heart failure.
* Aortic pressure measurement: This provides data about systemic blood pressure and cardiac output.
* Assessment of valvular function: The catheterization allows for evaluation of mitral and aortic valve function, identifying stenosis (narrowing) or regurgitation (leakage).
Image: Ventriculography (LV Gram): Visual Insights into Cardiac Function
The images obtained from a left ventriculography provide a wealth of information. They allow cardiologists to:
* Assess Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF): This is a crucial indicator of the heart's pumping ability. A normal LVEF is typically between 55% and 70%. Values below this range indicate reduced pumping capacity, a hallmark of heart failure. The example provided in the initial prompt mentions an estimated LVEF of 50%, indicating mild impairment.
* Evaluate Left Ventricular Wall Motion: The images allow for the assessment of the coordinated contraction of the left ventricular walls. Abnormalities in wall motion, such as hypokinesis (reduced movement), akinesis (no movement), or dyskinesis (abnormal movement), can indicate areas of myocardial damage or ischemia (reduced blood flow). The example mentions "mild global LV hypokinesis," indicating reduced contractility across the entire left ventricle.
current url：https://ugbnie.c368n.com/all/lv-gram-medical-abbreviation-35941