Three‐dimensional echocardiographic assessment of the aortic valve and the aorta

Abstract

We describe the role of three‐dimensional echocardiography in the assessment of the aortic valve and the aorta. The manuscript is heavily illustrated with figures and movie clips.

Use of Three-Dimensional Echocardiography to Identify an Unusual Cause of Aortic Regurgitation

“…Aortic regurgitation occurs due to either valvular disease or alteration of aortic root anatomy. 4 The first objective was to rule out aortic pathology. With the recent PCI and no prior indication of aortic root dilation, dissection of the aorta was more likely.…”

“…Assessment of aortic masses and AR is improved with 3D imaging. 4 The use of 3D imaging provided us with a diagnosis for the patient. Importantly, this identification helped to avoid prolonged antibiotic treatment as it was no longer deemed necessary.…”

Echocardiographic assessment of aortic regurgitation: a narrative review

“…Three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography may provide additional useful information, by enabling the reconstruction, visualisation and assessment of the morphology of the AV without the geometrical assumptions involved in 2D echocardiography [ 28 , 29 ]. Multi-plane imaging of the AV removes the uncertainty of the single cut-plane position in the parasternal view, allowing correct identification of all the aortic cusps [ 29 ].…”

“…It is also beneficial for visualisation of the AV throughout the cardiac cycle, overcoming the issue of through-plane motion [ 29 ]. However, 3D echocardiographic assessment of the AV is challenging and often suboptimal in cases of significant AV calcification or in patients with poor acoustic windows [ 28 , 29 ].…”