Evaluation of three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography in identification of prolapsed segment of mitral valve

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the reliability of three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiograpby (3DTTE) for the precise anatomic identification in the mitral valve prolapse segment.Metods Thirty ASA Ⅱ-Ⅳ patients with mitral valve prolapse of both sexes, aged 15-64 yr, weighing 43-118 kg, underwent a comprehensive 3DTTE examination before surgery, and a comprehensive muhiplane two-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (2DTEE) examination during surgery, and then completed the surgical exploration in operation. Echocardiographic data obtained by the two techniques were compared with the surgical inspection. Results In 93% patients, optimal images were obtained using 3DTTE, and in 100%patients using 2DTTE. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for defining prolapsed segments by 3DTTE were 88% ,95% and 93% respectively. The agreement between 3DTTE and 2DTEE was significantly same ( K = 0.88, P < 0.01 ). Conclusion The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for defining prolapsed segments with 3DTTE are high and the results are in agreement with those diagnosed with 2DTEE, hence representing a valid alternative to 2DTEE. Key words: Echocardiograpby, three-dimensional; Echocardiography, transesephageal; Mitral valve prolapse