How should ultrasound dynamics of the heart geometry be assessed?
Objective: To perform quantitative assessment of test-retest error value and work out methods to minimize its influence Material and Methods: The findings of examination of 100 patients with hypertension who underwent repeated ultrasound investigation were investigated retrospectively. Results: Test-pretest error value obtained during echocardiography corresponded to mean values obtained in similar studies. The use of the suggested method of mathematical processing of the initial data allowed to achieve higher statistical probability of the differences in the dynamics of ultrasonography findings when compared to the traditional technique. Conclusion: The level of error of test-retest reproducibility of the obtained findings is within the ranges of a permissible error of test-retest type for M and 2D techniques. The suggested method of a simple mathematical processing allows to reduce probability of test-retest error. To make mathematical processing correct, the interval between ultrasound investigations should not be < 12 months. The reported method is a simple one and can be used in every day practice when it is necessary to assess the shifts using the findings of repeated examinations.