Two-dimensional images and flow and tissue Doppler recordings
were obtained for all patients using a transthoracic
Doppler echocardiograph with a 3.5-MHz transducer (GE Vivid I
or 7, Horten, Norway). Left ventricular volumes were calculated
by modified Simpson’s biplane method from the apical 4-chamber
and 2-chamber views. Doppler recordings were obtained
in the apical 4-chamber view by positioning the sample volume
at the tips of the mitral leaflets.