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fractional area change
Echocardiographic measurement of ventricular function based on cross-sectional area changes during the cardiac cycle.
Full Definition
Fractional area change quantifies ventricular systolic function by measuring the percentage change in ventricular cross-sectional area between end-diastole and end-systole. This parameter is particularly useful when geometric assumptions for ejection fraction calculations are invalid, such as in patients with regional wall motion abnormalities or unusual ventricular shapes. In cardiac anesthesia, FAC provides real-time assessment of ventricular performance during hemodynamic changes and surgical manipulations.
Usage
Usage note: Specify the ventricular view and measurement technique when reporting FAC values.
In Context
- "Intraoperative TEE showed fractional area change of 45% indicating preserved systolic function." — Echocardiography report
- "Fractional area change measurements were more reliable than EF in this patient with regional dysfunction." — Clinical assessment
Also known as
FAC
area change fraction
Don't confuse with
ejection fraction
fractional shortening