Three-dimensional adult echocardiography: Where the hidden dimension helps

Abstract

The introduction of three-dimensional (3D) imaging and its evolution from slow and labor-intense off-line reconstruction to real-time volumetric imaging is one of the most significant developments in ultrasound imaging of the heart of the past decade. This imaging modality currently provides valuable clinical information that empowers echocardiography with new levels of confidence in diagnosing heart disease. One major advantage of seeing the additional dimension is the improvement in the accuracy of the evaluation of cardiac chamber volumes by eliminating geometric modeling and the errors caused by foreshortened views. Another benefit of 3D imaging is the realistic views of cardiac valves capable of demonstrating numerous pathologies in a unique, noninvasive manner. This article reviews the major technological developments in 3D echocardiography and some of the recent literature that has provided the scientific basis for its clinical use.

Geometric comparison of the mitral and tricuspid valve annulus: Insights from three dimensional transesophageal echocardiography

“…However, 2DE did not provide detailed anatomical information of the MVA or TVA. Previous case studies exploited the advanced imaging technique of RT3D TEE in visualizing the MVA and TVA in different patients[1]. This present study demonstrates that RT3D TEE allows for the comprehensive analysis and exact characterization of the anatomy of the MVA and TVA in the same patient.…”

“…The mitral valve annulus (MVA) and the tricuspid valve annulus (TVA) are multi-component complex structures[1]. The anatomy and geometry of the MVA has been previously described in many studies that utilized advanced imaging techniques[2-5].…”

“…This allowed for a better comprehension of valve dysfunction and provided significant implications for surgical repair[5]. Similarly, the geometry of the TVA has been previously assessed in numerous studies utilizing real time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (RT3D TEE) to allow for complete visualization of the cusps of this complex structure[1]. Furthermore, RT3D TEE can visualize atrio-ventricular valves from both the atrial and ventricular side in great detail[1].…”

“…Similarly, the geometry of the TVA has been previously assessed in numerous studies utilizing real time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (RT3D TEE) to allow for complete visualization of the cusps of this complex structure[1]. Furthermore, RT3D TEE can visualize atrio-ventricular valves from both the atrial and ventricular side in great detail[1]. Measurements of the MVA and TVA, both researched and documented in the literature, have not been routinely measured and compared in the same person.…”

Advantages and Pitfalls of Three-Dimensional Ultrasound Imaging of Carotid Bifurcation

“…Several specialists indeed benefit from 3D US: cardiologists use it as a valid corroborative diagnostic tool to standard two-dimensional imaging for cardiac diseases [1,2,3,4,5], obstetrics and gynecologists use it for fetal prenatal diagnosis [6,7] and uterine and ovarian evaluation [8,9], surgeons for breast cancer [10] and gastroenterologists for focal liver lesions [11]. Moreover, as US is a real-time imaging technique, it was possible to add ‘movement’ as the 4th dimension (4D), developing 4D US, with impressive results in cardiac and fetal prenatal imaging [12,13].…”