Fractional shortening and Teichholz ejection fraction

When to use

• Rapid bedside estimate of left ventricular systolic function from M-mode or 2D linear dimensions.

Formula

FS = (LVIDd − LVIDs) / LVIDd × 100. Teichholz volume V = 7D³ / (2.4 + D) with D in cm; EF = (EDV − ESV) / EDV × 100.

Pearls and pitfalls

• Both measures sample only the basal ventricle, so they are invalid when wall motion is regional (after myocardial infarction) or the ventricle is dilated.
• The biplane method of discs (modified Simpson) is the recommended echocardiographic method for ejection fraction.

References

1. Teichholz LE, et al. Problems in echocardiographic volume determinations: echocardiographic-angiographic correlations in the presence or absence of asynergy. Am J Cardiol. 1976;37(1):7–11.
2. Lang RM, et al. Recommendations for Cardiac Chamber Quantification by Echocardiography in Adults. J Am Soc Echocardiogr. 2015;28(1):1–39.