Methodology study for the anatomic structure of aortic root using three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography

Abstract

Objective To establish a quantitative analysis method for the anatomic structure of aortic root by real-time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography, and to explore the reliability and repeatability of this method. Methods Ninety five adult patients underwent RT-3DTEE were included in this study.Full-volume 3D images of aortic root were acquired and analyzed offline with QLab-3DQ (iE33, Philips). The three mutually perpendicular plane were determined. Results 1) Aortic root: At the end of diastole, the diameter and area of coronary artery sinus bottoms level was 1.84 cm and 3.45 cm2; the diameter and area of top commissural level was 2.97 cm and 7.77 cm2; the diameter and area of sino-tubular junction level was 2.72 cm and 5.44 cm2. 2) Aortic sinus: right coronary sinus was widest, left coronary sinus was the most stenosis(P 0.50). The measurement of each parameter, which analysis among different angles showed that 0° region were more accurate than others. Conclusions 3D quantitative analysis to aortic root can be established by full-volume RT-3DTEE images and has better reliability and repeatability. Key words: Echocardiography, transesophageal; Echocardiography, real-time three-dimensional; Aortic root; Methodology; Quantitative analysis