Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41466920›Full record

ArticleCureus2025

Left Ventricular Apical Long-Axis Length and Ejection Fraction: A Proof-of-Concept Analysis.

Khalid Sawalha, Aakash Rana, Lana Alamat, Munes Albadaineh, Landon Bruich, Srikanth Vallurupalli, Angel Lopez Candales

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In one paragraph

Article in Cureus, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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0citing papers in PubMed
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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

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Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

7 authors.

Khalid SawalhaCardiovascular Disease, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, USA.
Aakash RanaInternal Medicine, Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, Little Rock, USA.
Lana AlamatInternal Medicine, Jordan Hospital, Amman, JOR.
Munes AlbadainehCardiovascular Disease, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, USA.
Landon BruichInternal Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, USA.
Srikanth VallurupalliCardiovascular Disease, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, USA.
Angel Lopez CandalesCardiovascular Disease, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, USA.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundAccurate estimation of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is vital in cardiology practice for diagnostic, prognostic, and management decisions. The biplane Simpson method is the standard but can be subject to limitations, particularly in cases of poor image quality or when subjective interpretation is involved. This study aims to evaluate whether LVEF can be reliably estimated using simpler apical four-chamber views without the need for complex calculations.

methodsA retrospective review of 260 echocardiographic studies from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences database was conducted. LVEF was calculated using the Simpson's biplane method and compared with longitudinal apical LV length measurements in systole and diastole. Statistical analyses, including regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, were used to determine the relationship between LVEF and apical LV lengths.

resultsPatients were divided into two groups based on LVEF values (>50% normal, <50% reduced). Longitudinal apical LV length measurements demonstrated significant differences between the groups. Delta changes in LV length (>14 cm) showed high sensitivity (94.2%) and specificity (95.7%) in identifying normal LVEF. ROC analysis revealed that end-systolic lengths ≤7.3 cm could predict normal LVEF with good accuracy.

conclusionsSimple measurements of longitudinal apical LV length changes between systole and diastole can serve as a reliable surrogate for LVEF, offering a rapid bedside alternative to the biplane Simpson method. These findings highlight the potential for streamlining LVEF estimation, particularly in settings where time and resources are limited.

Indexed as

echocardiographyleft ventricular apical lengthleft ventricular ejection fractionleft ventricular systolic functionmodified simpson’s method

Identifiers

PMID41466920
PMCPMC12743633

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.