Left Ventricular Mass (LVM) by MRI: Explanation and Clinical Context Left ventricular mass (LVM) is a crucial parameter reflecting the myocardial muscle mass of the left ventricle. Accurate assessment using cardiac MRI provides precise volumetric measurements and is considered the gold standard compared to echocardiography.
The Devereux formula adapted for MRI calculates LVM using the cube method based on left ventricular internal diameter (LVIDd), interventricular septal thickness (IVS), and posterior wall thickness (PWT).
Normal values vary by sex: typically, men have 96-200 g, and women 66-150 g. Increased LVM, or left ventricular hypertrophy, is associated with elevated cardiovascular risk including heart failure, arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death.
MRI-based LVM assessment allows for precise monitoring of hypertrophy regression during therapeutic interventions and provides robust prognostic information.
Reference:
Devereux RB, Alonso DR, Lutas EM, et al. Echocardiographic assessment of left ventricular hypertrophy: Comparison to necropsy findings. Am J Cardiol. 1986;57:450-458. doi:10.1016/0002-9149(86)90771-8