Abstract
Traditionally, gross cardiac anatomy has been described mainly based on the findings in the dissection suite. Analyses of heart specimens have contributed immensely towards building a fundamental knowledge of cardiac anatomy. However, there are limitations in analyzing the autopsied heart removed from the thorax. Three-dimensional imaging allows visualization of the blood-filled heart in vivo in attitudinally appropriate fashion. This is of paramount importance for not only demonstration of cardiac anatomy for educational purposes, but also for the detailed anatomical evaluation in patients with acquired and congenital heart disease. In this review, we discuss the advantages of three-dimensional imaging, specifically focusing on virtual dissection, a volume rendering-based reconstruction technique using computed tomographic data. We highlight examples of three-dimensional imaging in both education and guiding patient management.
Highlights
The modern understanding of cardiac anatomy is incomplete without referencing the works of Professor Robert H
The three-dimensional reconstructions, when achieved by volume rendering, permit visualization of cardiac anatomy equivalent to the dissection of heart specimens with the additional benefit of viewing in attitudinally appropriate orientation
Recent advances in visualization have permitted much needed three-dimensional reconstruction of datasets obtained from computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging
Summary
The modern understanding of cardiac anatomy is incomplete without referencing the works of Professor Robert H. He continues to be a pillar to which our knowledge of cardiac anatomy in both normal as well as malformed hearts is supported. During his long illustrious career, he has enriched the field of cardiac development and anatomy, the latter of which has largely depended on analysis of heart specimens. The three-dimensional reconstructions, when achieved by volume rendering, permit visualization of cardiac anatomy equivalent to the dissection of heart specimens with the additional benefit of viewing in attitudinally appropriate orientation. Such dissection performed virtually has an added advantage of evaluating cardiac anatomy in vivo. We discuss the advantages and applications of volume-rendered images, focusing on virtual dissection, in understanding patient-specific cardiac anatomy
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