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Cardiothoracic
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LV Mass (ASE Cube Formula)

Left ventricular mass from M-mode/2D linear dimensions using the ASE-recommended cube (Devereux) formula, for detection of left ventricular hypertrophy.

The ASE-recommended cube formula (Devereux) estimates left ventricular mass from three linear diastolic measurements, modelling the LV as a thick-walled prolate ellipsoid. Indexed to body-surface area it defines left ventricular hypertrophy.

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📐 Formula

LV mass (g) = 0.8 × [1.04 × ((LVIDd + IVSd + PWd)³ − LVIDd³)] + 0.6

When to Use

  • Quantifying LV mass and detecting hypertrophy in hypertension, valvular disease and cardiomyopathy screening.
  • Serial follow-up of regression with treatment.
  • When only linear (M-mode/2D) measurements are available.

How It Works

  • LVIDd, IVSd and PWd are measured at end-diastole perpendicular to the LV long axis at the mitral leaflet-tip / basal level.
  • Mass = 0.8 × [1.04 × ((LVIDd + IVSd + PWd)³ − LVIDd³)] + 0.6 g, with all dimensions in cm.
  • Mass is then divided by BSA (m²) to give the LV mass index used for LVH thresholds.

Interpreting the Result

  • Indexed thresholds for LVH (ASE 2015): > 115 g/m² in men and > 95 g/m² in women.
  • The formula overestimates mass in dilated ventricles and where measurements are foreshortened.
  • Relative wall thickness (2 × PWd / LVIDd) further classifies concentric vs eccentric remodelling.

Limitations & Pitfalls

  • Linear method assumes a symmetric ellipsoid — inaccurate with asymmetric hypertrophy or regional wall-motion abnormality.
  • Small measurement errors are cubed, magnifying variability.
  • Where feasible, 3D echo or cardiac MRI gives more accurate mass.

References

  • Devereux RB, et al. Echocardiographic assessment of left ventricular hypertrophy: comparison to necropsy findings. Am J Cardiol. 1986;57:450–458.
  • Lang RM, et al. Recommendations for cardiac chamber quantification by echocardiography in adults (ASE/EACVI). J Am Soc Echocardiogr. 2015;28:1–39.

⚕️ For clinical decision support only. Always verify calculations and apply clinical judgment.