Quantifying Volume of the Formalin-fixed Left Ventricle

were fixed in formalin and immnersed in mineral oil. Area, length and diameter measurements were obtained from shortand long-axis cross-sectional images of the left ventricle and volume was calculated by seven mathematic models. Calculated volume was then compared, by linear regression and percent error analyses, with fluid volume of the left ventricle, obtained by filling the chamber with a known amount of fluid. Volumes ranged from 13-146 ml. Mathematic models using short-axis area and long-axis length gave higher correlation coefficients (r = 0.982 and r = 0.969) and lower mean errors (10-20%) than standard formulas previously used with M-mode echo and angiography. Thus, short-axis area analysis with cross-sectional echocardiography is well-suited for quantifying left ventricular volumes in dogs.