Measurement of Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction by Real Time 3D Echocardiography in Patients with Severe Systolic Dysfunction: Comparison with Radionuclide Angiography

Abstract

In patients with severe systolic dysfunction, 3DE shows poor agreement for measurement of LVEF as compared to RNA. There may be underestimation of up to 20% in absolute terms by 3DE. Accordingly, the two methods are not interchangeable for the follow-up of LV function. A limitation of 3DE may, at least in part, be related to the incomplete incorporation of the apical region into the pyramidal image sector in patients with dilated hearts.

Accuracy of an automated transthoracic echocardiographic tool for 3D assessment of left heart chamber volumes

“…While initially compared with angiographic and radionuclide ventriculography as reference and then to cardiac MRI and computed tomography, manually corrected 3D echocardiography has become the reference standard for the introduction of new echocardiographic algorithms aiming to assess left heart volumes . While not demanding the use of radiation or contrast media, 3DE offers high reproducibility, a fast learning curve, together with simplified acquisition protocol and reduced analysis time with the current software packages. Nevertheless, research advantages of 3DE vs 2DE have not been paralleled with an increase in use of 3DE in clinical practice for the assessment of left cardiac volumes and ejection fraction .…”

“3D Fusion” Echocardiography Improves 3D Left Ventricular Assessment: Comparison with 2D Contrast Echocardiography

“…At rest, contrast echocardiography is often used in patients with very poor acoustic windows such as the obese and whether the comparable image quality between fused 3D echocardiography and contrast echocardiography we observed is maintained in these patients is unknown. The fusion technique may be of particular use for patients with an enlarged LV who often have incomplete incorporation of the apical region into the pyramidal image sector of standard 3D acquisitions . Further implementation of fusion 3D echocardiography may also be possible for improved delineation of structures such as left and right atrium, which are of relevance to various cardiovascular pathologies.…”

Three‐Dimensional Echocardiography in Evaluation of Left Ventricular Indices

“…The 3DE makes no assumptions about the shape of the LV and therefore, the calculation should be more accurate. There is accumulating evidence that 3DE method may be advantageous in this respect 22–29 …”

“…There is accumulating evidence that 3DE method may be advantageous in this respect. [22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29] Gopal et al 10 were among the earliest to study LV volume with 3DE. They used a poly-hedral surface reconstruction technique to assess the LV in balloon phantoms.…”