Abstract
There have been significant advancements in the ability of echocardiography to provide both morphological and functional information in children with congenitally malformed hearts. This progress has come through the development of improved technology such as matrix array probes and software which allows for the off line analysis of images to a high standard. This article focuses on these developments and discusses some newer concepts in advanced echocardiography such is multi-planar reformatting [MPR] and tissue motion annular displacement [TMAD].Our aim is to discuss important aspects related to the quality and reproducibility of data, to review the most recent published data regarding advanced echocardiography in the malformed heart and to guide the reader to appropriate text for overcoming the technical challenges of using these methods. Many of the technical aspects of image acquisition and post processing have been discussed in recent reviews by the authors and we would urge readers to study these texts to gain a greater understanding [1]. The quality of the two dimensional image is paramount in both strain analysis and three dimensional echocardiography. An awareness of how to improve image quality is vital to acquiring accurate and usable data.Three dimensional echocardiography (3DE) is an attempt to visualise the dynamic morphology of the heart. Although published media is the basis for theoretical knowledge of how to practically acquire images, electronic media [eg.www.3dechocardiography.com] is the only way of visualising the advantages of this technology in real time.It is important to be aware of the limitations of this technology and that much of the data gleaned from using these methods is at a research stage and not yet in regular clinical practice.
Highlights
Three dimensional echocardiography (3DE) is an attempt to visualise the dynamic morphology of the heart
Assessment of right ventricular volumes plays an important role in the management of patients with congenital heart disease. 3DE has been shown to be reproducible and more reliable than 2DE in assessing right ventricular volumes when correlated with CMRI in patients with Tetralogy of Fallot and normal controls [2]
New developments and new technology will continue to emerge in the field of echocardiography
Summary
Three dimensional echocardiography (3DE) is an attempt to visualise the dynamic morphology of the heart. Assessment of right ventricular volumes plays an important role in the management of patients with congenital heart disease. Van der Swaan et al demonstrated 95% sensitivity and 89% specificity for RT 3DE in identifying RV dysfunction in patients with congenital heart disease [4] These studies show significant promise for the assessment of the right ventricle using 3DE, one needs to stress the importance of obtaining good images for assessment. Hascoet et al have compared QLAB 6.0[Phillips] which is a semi-automated system with TomTec 4D LV which is primary manual tracking with semi-automated border detection They found that 3D volume assessment was feasible using both systems with good correlation of LV volume measurements [8]. Ongoing advances in the ability for single loop acquisition of images will improve quality
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
