Left ventricular angiography in the 30 degree right anterior oblique projection is the reference method of calculating volumes and assessing segmental wall motion. The calculation of volumes is based on the surface-length or Simpson's methods which assume that the ventricle has an ellipsoid shape. The use of both the right and left anterior oblique projections only slightly improves the accuracy of the method and is not necessary in routine procedures. The global parameters of left ventricular function are the end-systolic and end-diastolic volumes and the ejection fraction. Segmental wall motion assessment provides a more precise analysis of left ventricular function. Many methods have been described but only two have been validated clinically: the Stanford method proposed by Ingels in which fractional shortening is calculated with respect to a point situated at 69% of the length of the axis between the apex and the anterior aortic border, and the more complex Rotterdam method reported by Slager. The introduction of digitisation of the image has enabled calculation of these different parameters in routine investigations.