fractional shortening
Echocardiographic measurement of left ventricular systolic function calculated as the percentage change in chamber dimension during contraction.
Full Definition
Fractional shortening (FS) is a simple echocardiographic parameter that quantifies left ventricular systolic function by measuring the percentage decrease in left ventricular internal diameter from diastole to systole. Calculated as (LVEDD - LVESD)/LVEDD × 100, where LVEDD is left ventricular end-diastolic dimension and LVESD is left ventricular end-systolic dimension. Normal fractional shortening ranges from 25% to 45%. While less comprehensive than ejection fraction, fractional shortening remains useful for serial monitoring of cardiac function and is particularly valuable when echocardiographic image quality limits volumetric calculations. It assumes uniform wall motion and may be less accurate in patients with regional wall motion abnormalities.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as FS in clinical reports; express as percentage with appropriate decimal precision.
In Context
- "Serial echocardiograms demonstrated progressive decline in fractional shortening from 35% to 18% over six months." — Cardiology follow-up note
- "The fractional shortening of 28% suggested mildly reduced left ventricular systolic function." — Echocardiography report