extracellular volume fraction
A quantitative MRI parameter representing the percentage of myocardial tissue occupied by extracellular space, used to assess fibrosis.
Full Definition
Extracellular volume fraction (ECV) is a quantitative cardiac MRI biomarker that measures the proportion of myocardial tissue volume occupied by the extracellular matrix. Calculated from native and post-contrast T1 mapping along with hematocrit values, ECV provides a non-invasive assessment of diffuse myocardial fibrosis. Normal ECV values range from 20-30%, with elevated values indicating increased collagen deposition seen in conditions such as heart failure, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and infiltrative diseases. ECV has emerged as a valuable tool for disease monitoring and prognostication in various cardiomyopathies.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as ECV in clinical reports.
In Context
- "Elevated extracellular volume fraction of 38% suggested significant diffuse myocardial fibrosis." — Cardiac MRI report
- "ECV measurements were obtained to quantify the degree of myocardial replacement fibrosis." — Research study protocol