Marked variability in published CMR criteria for left ventricular basal slice selection - impact of methodological discrepancies on LV mass quantification

Background Left ventricular mass (LVM) quantification by cine-CMR is typically performed by planimetry of contiguous LV short axis images. This approach relies on use of anatomic landmarks or quantitative binary cutoffs to define the basal-most aspect of the LV. Methodological discordance concerning criteria for LV basal slice selection has the potential to alter cine-CMR quantified LVM. This study assessed frequency of methodological variability in published LV basal slice definitions, as well as its impact on cine-CMR quantification of LVM.