The use of real-time three-dimensional echocardiography for the quantification of left ventricular volumes and function

Abstract

The purpose of this review is to provide readers with an update on the latest developments and the current status of the real-time three-dimensional echocardiographic (RT3DE) quantitative evaluation of left ventricular volumes and function. In recent years, the growing availability of RT3DE imaging technology, its ease of use and its multiple attractive features have sparked significant interest in the echocardiography community, resulting in a large number of research papers, most of which have endorsed RT3DE imaging for clinical use by demonstrating its unique capabilities in different scenarios. In parallel, the clinical acceptance of this new tool has broadened significantly. Although the clinical value of RT3DE evaluation of the left ventricle is already well established, future improvements will determine whether this methodology can become the new standard reference technique for accurate and repeatable measurement of left ventricular volumes, mass, regional left ventricular function and dyssynchrony.