🫀 Teichholz EF / Fractional Shortening
Estimates left-ventricular ejection fraction (EF) and fractional shortening (FS) from M-mode end-diastolic and end-systolic linear dimensions (the Teichholz method).
Teichholz assumes a symmetric prolate-ellipsoid ventricle, so it is unreliable with regional wall-motion abnormality or distorted shape — biplane Simpson or 3D echo is then preferred. (original synthesis · not guideline verbatim)
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When to use
Enter LVEDD and LVESD from M-mode echocardiography; the tool computes estimated EDV/ESV, EF, and FS. Reserve for ventricles of normal geometry without regional wall-motion abnormality.
How it works
Volume = 7 × D³ / (2.4 + D). EF = (EDV − ESV)/EDV × 100%. FS = (LVEDD − LVESD)/LVEDD × 100%. EF ≥ 50% normal · 40–49% mild-moderate reduction · < 40% marked reduction; FS normal ≈ 25–45%.
Key points
- Teichholz assumes a symmetric prolate-ellipsoid ventricle, so it is unreliable with regional wall-motion abnormality or distorted shape — biplane Simpson or 3D echo is then preferred. (original synthesis · not guideline verbatim)
- The method extrapolates whole-ventricle volume from a single short-axis dimension, magnifying error in remodeled or aneurysmal ventricles.
- FS is a single-plane shortening index and shares the same geometric limitations; use it as a quick adjunct, not a definitive EF.
References
- Teichholz LE, et al. Problems in echocardiographic volume determinations. Am J Cardiol. 1976;37(1):7-11.
- Lang RM, et al. Recommendations for Cardiac Chamber Quantification by Echocardiography (ASE/EACVI). J Am Soc Echocardiogr. 2015;28(1):1-39.
Worked calculation
The values below come from this tool's own example placeholders and are computed server-side with the formula shown on this page, so the arithmetic can be checked quickly. It demonstrates how to substitute values only — it is not clinical advice and not a real case.
| LV end-diastolic dimension LVEDD | 5.0 cm |
|---|---|
| LV end-systolic dimension LVESD | 3.2 cm |
→EF (Teichholz)65%
- Fractional shortening FS：36%
- Estimated EDV/ESV：118 / 41 mL
Frequently asked questions
- What is Teichholz EF / Fractional Shortening?
- Estimates left-ventricular ejection fraction (EF) and fractional shortening (FS) from M-mode end-diastolic and end-systolic linear dimensions (the Teichholz method).
- How is Teichholz EF / Fractional Shortening calculated? What is the core formula?
- Volume = 7 × D³ / (2.4 + D). EF = (EDV − ESV)/EDV × 100%. FS = (LVEDD − LVESD)/LVEDD × 100%. EF ≥ 50% normal · 40–49% mild-moderate reduction · < 40% marked reduction; FS normal ≈ 25–45%.
- When is Teichholz EF / Fractional Shortening used?
- Enter LVEDD and LVESD from M-mode echocardiography; the tool computes estimated EDV/ESV, EF, and FS. Reserve for ventricles of normal geometry without regional wall-motion abnormality.
- What are the key clinical points for Teichholz EF / Fractional Shortening?
- Teichholz assumes a symmetric prolate-ellipsoid ventricle, so it is unreliable with regional wall-motion abnormality or distorted shape — biplane Simpson or 3D echo is then preferred. (original synthesis · not guideline verbatim) The method extrapolates whole-ventricle volume from a single short-axis dimension, magnifying error in remodeled or aneurysmal ventricles. FS is a single-plane shortening index and shares the same geometric limitations; use it as a quick adjunct, not a definitive EF.
- What are the limits and cautions when using Teichholz EF / Fractional Shortening?
- For licensed clinicians and clinical researchers. Interpret results with history, investigations and local protocols; not a diagnosis or prescription, and not a substitute for multidisciplinary decision-making or local guidelines.
- How is Teichholz EF / Fractional Shortening calculated in practice? Can you show a worked example?
- Inputs: LV end-diastolic dimension LVEDD 5.0 cm, LV end-systolic dimension LVESD 3.2 cm → Result: EF (Teichholz) 65 %（Fractional shortening FS: 36%, Estimated EDV/ESV: 118 / 41 mL）