Time Three-dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiography Research Articles

Percutaneous closure of the left atrial appendage: The value of real time 3D transesophageal echocardiography and the intraoperative change in the size of the left atrial appendage.

The aim of this study was to investigate the value of real time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (RT3DTEE) in percutaneous closure of the left atrial appendage (LAAC). In addition, this study also explored the change in the size of the left atrial appendage (LAA) from 24hours before the operation to just before implantation during the operation. In a retrospective study, 32 patients underwent two-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (2DTEE) and RT3DTEE 24hours prior to operation and during operation. The maximal LAA orifice diameter (by 2DTEE, 22.7±2.7 vs 24.6±2.2mm, P<0.01; by RT3DTEE, 24.2±2.9 vs 25.8±2.7mm, P<0.01), the maximal landing zone diameter (by 2DTEE, 19.0±2.8 vs 20.4±2.8mm, P<0.01; by RT3DTEE, 20.4±2.7 vs 22.6±3.0mm, P<0.01), and the maximal depth diameter (by 2DTEE, 25.2±3.2 vs 26.5±3.0mm, P<0.01; by RT3DTEE, 26.4±3.2 vs 27.5±3.7mm, P<0.01) all increased significantly during the operation. The highest correlation (R) between the maximal landing zone diameter and the compressed occluder diameter was determined for RT3DTEE measurements during the operation (R=0.90), whereas the landing zone diameter (R=0.80) measured by 2DTEE was less correlated. In addition, our study showed that RT3DTEE was of great value in discriminating the LAA orifice shape, allowing differentiation of the LAA morphology and identification of the number of LAA lobes. A certain amount of intravenous rehydration just before and during operation increased the LAA size significantly. The measurements by RT3DTEE showed a closer correlation to LAA occluder size than those by 2DTEE. The LAA displayed by RT3DTEE was more visible than that by 2DTEE.

Accuracy of Commonly-Used Imaging Modalities in Assessing Left Atrial Appendage for Interventional Closure: Review Article.

Periprocedural imaging assessment for percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage (LAA) transcatheter occlusion can be obtained by utilizing different imaging modalities including fluoroscopy, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and ultrasound imaging. Given the complex and variable morphology of the left atrial appendage, it is crucial to obtain the most accurate LAA dimensions to prevent intra-procedural device changes, recapture maneuvers, and prolonged procedure time. We therefore sought to examine the accuracy of the most commonly utilized imaging modalities in LAA occlusion. Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval was waived as we only reviewed published data. By utilizing PUBMED which is an integrated online website to list the published literature based on its relevance, we retrieved thirty-two articles on the accuracy of most commonly used imaging modalities for pre-procedural assessment of the left atrial appendage morphology, namely, two-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography, three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography, computed tomography, and three-dimensional printing. There is strong evidence that real-time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography is more accurate than two-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography. Three-dimensional computed tomography has recently emerged as an imaging modality and it showed exceptional accuracy when merged with three-dimensional printing technology. However, real time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography may be considered the preferred imaging modality as it can provide accurate measurements without requiring radiation exposure or contrast administration. We will present the most common imaging modality used for LAA assessment and will provide an algorithmic approach including preprocedural, periprocedural, intraprocedural, and postprocedural.

Severe Aortic Regurgitation Caused by Congenital Quadricuspid Aortic Valve With an Anomalous Cord

Summary An aortic valve in a 71-year-old female exhibited a quadricuspid valve morphology. Two-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography showed an incompletely separated non-coronary cusp and severe aortic regurgitation. Moreover, real time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography indicated the presence of an anomalous cord that appeared to be adhered to the tip of the two leaflets of the incompletely separated non-coronary cusp.

Transesophageal echocardiography for the assessment of left atrial appendage thrombus: Study of the additional value of systematic real time 3D imaging after regular 2D evaluation.

Two-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (2DTEE) is currently validated for left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombus assessment but has some limitations. To evaluate the performance and interest of systematic real time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3DTEE) for LAA thrombus assessment, when performed after 2DTEE. Consecutive patients undergoing TEE were prospectively included. LAA was first evaluated using 2DTEE, and patients were classified as "2D-NT" if no thrombus was found, "2D-T" in case of clear thrombus, or "2D-EQ" if equivocal. Then, 3DTEE of the LAA was performed and patients were similarly classified as "3D-NT," "3D-T," or "3D-EQ." Additional LAA CT scan was only performed if LAA thrombus was not clearly ruled out or confirmed by TEE. Additional value of 3DTEE after 2DTEE LAA evaluation was then assessed. We included 104 patients undergoing TEE. Agreement between 2DTEE and 3DTEE was very good for thrombus diagnosis (k=0.936), but moderate for vacant LAA (k=0.562) due to more frequent 2D-EQ than 3D-EQ (11.5% vs 2.9%; P=.016). 3DTEE allowed to refine the LAA status in 11 of 12 (91.7%) 2D-EQ patients: 10 3D-NT, 1 3D-T, and 1 3D-EQ. Coupling 3DTEE to 2DTEE permitted a definite LAA diagnosis in 103 of 104 (99%) vs 92 of 104 (88.5%) patients when 2DTEE was used alone (P=.002). Nine (8.7%) LAA thrombi were diagnosed, and 3 CT scan were performed. 3DTEE of the LAA is more effective for thrombus assessment than 2DTEE. 3DTEE should be particularly considered in case of equivocal 2DTEE, as it allows to reach a definite LAA diagnosis in almost all of the patients.

Incremental value of live/real time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography in the assessment of ventricular septal rupture following acute myocardial infarction.

Ventricular septal rupture is a serious complication following acute myocardial infarctions and is associated with a significant mortality rate. Classically, two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography has been used to diagnose this complication and visualize its location. Two-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography has supplemented the transthoracic approach by providing more accurate assessment of the defect size and in guiding closure both percutaneously and intraoperatively. This modality, however, is limited to two-dimensional views only, and a greater breadth of information is instead available through the use of three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography. We present a series of 11 patients in which live/real time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography offered incremental benefits over two-dimensional imaging alone.

Geometric comparison of the mitral and tricuspid valve annulus: Insights from three dimensional transesophageal echocardiography.

AIMTo apply real time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (RT3D TEE) for quantitative and qualitative assessment of the mitral valve annulus (MVA) and tricuspid valve annulus (TVA) in the same patient.METHODSOur retrospective cohort study examined the MVA and TVA in 49 patients by RT3D TEE. MVA and TVA shape were examined by TEE. The MVA and TVA volume data set images were acquired in the mid esophageal 4-chamber view. The MVA and TVA were acquired separately, with optimization of each for the highest frame rate and image quality. The 3D shape of the annuli was reconstructed using the Philips® Q lab, MVQ ver. 6.0 MVA model software. The end-systolic frame was used. The parameters measured and compared were annular area, circumference, high-low distances (height), anterolateral-posterolateral (ALPM), and anteroposterior (AP) axes.RESULTSA total of 49 patients (mean age 61 ± 14 years, 45% males) were studied. The ALPM and the AP axes of the MVA and TVA are not significantly different. The ALPM axis of the MVA was 37.9 ± 6.4 mm and 38.0 ± 5.6 mm for the TVA (P = 0.70). The AP axis of the MVA was 34.8 ± 5.7 mm and 34.9 ± 6.2 mm for the TVA (P = 0.90). The MVA and the TVA had similar circumference and area. The circumference of the MVA was 127.9 ± 16.8 mm and 125.92 ± 16.12 mm for the TVA (P = 0.23). The area of the MVA was 1103.7 ± 307.8 mm2 and 1131.7 ± 302.0 mm2 for the TVA (P = 0.41). The MVA and TVA are similar oval structures, but with significantly different heights. The ALPM/AP ratio for the MVA was 1.08 ± 0.33 and 1.09 ± 0.28 for the TVA (P < 0.001). The height for the MVA and TVA was 9.23 ± 2.11 mm and 4.37 ± 1.48 mm, respectively (P < 0.0001).CONCLUSIONRT3D TEE plays an unprecedented role in the management of valvular heart disease. The specific and exclusive shape of the MVA and TVA was revealed in our study of patients studied. Moreover, the intricate codependence of the MVA and the TVA depends on their distinctive shapes. This realization seen from our study will allow us to better understand the role valvular disease plays in disease states such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and pulmonary hypertension.

Intraoperative assessment of transient and persistent regional left ventricular wall motion abnormalities in patients undergoing coronary revascularization surgery using real time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography: A prospective observational study.

To evaluate the feasibility of intraoperative real time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE) for identification and quantification of transient and persistent regional wall motion abnormalities (RWMAs) in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). A prospective observational study SETTING: Single-center study in an academic tertiary care hospital PARTICIPANTS: A series of 42 patients undergoing elective CABG over a 2-year period were included. After induction of anesthesia, a comprehensive transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) examination was performed to evaluate regional wall motion using two-dimensional wall motion score index (WMSI) and RT3D echocardiographic parameters at three specific time points during the operative phase. The 3D assessment of LV function was based on the quantification of change in LV chamber volume over time from each segment excursion. Patients were divided into two groups and subgroups based on TEE findings. There was significant mechanical dyssynchrony in patients with RWMAs (WMSI>1; systolic dyssynchrony index [SDI]=7.0±3.66) as compared to the patients having normal wall motion (WMSI=1; SDI=2.0±0.95; P=.001). Patients with contractile dysfunction were found to have low values of segmental excursion and high values of negative excursion on parametric imaging. Persistent RWMAs due to hibernating myocardium showed significant resolution of mechanical dyssynchrony after revascularization. Parametric imaging could detect transient RWMAs due to stunning and graft dysfunction. Early activating segments (EAS) on "timing bull's-eye" may represent hypercontractile segments and may influence inotrope administration. The RT3DE is a valuable modality for precise quantification of regional wall motion during revascularization procedure.

Transesophageal echocardiography for incremental value of Amplatezer cribriform septal occluder for percutaneous transcatheter closure of complex septal defects: Case series

BackgroundThe anatomy of septal defects can be complex and morphologically unpredictable. Balloon sizing of such defects may not be feasible, and an appropriately sized commercial occluder may not be available. Therefore, percutaneous transcatheter closure of such defects can be challenging because of an increased risk of complications. In this study, we have described the efficacy and safety of transcatheter closure of complex septal defects using Amplatzer cribriform occluder devices, assessed by real time three-dimensional (RT 3D) color Doppler transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). Methods and ResultsFour complex septal defects were involved in this investigation: (1) reimplanted multiple atrial septal defects (ASD) with one device embolization; (2) postinfarction ventricular septal defect; (3) long tunnel patent foramen ovale; and (4) postoperative residual ASD. All patients underwent percutaneous transcatheter interventions due to the high risk of surgical complications, and one of the three available cribriform ASD device sizes (18 mm, 25 mm, or 35 mm) was implanted. Perioperative RT 3D TEE combined with fluoroscopy was used for monitoring during the procedure. All defects were successfully occluded by cribriform septal occluder devices using the transcatheter technique. ConclusionOur patients with complex septal defects were successfully treated by transcatheter closure using an Amplazter cribriform septal occluder device with careful planning based on patient presentation and close interdisciplinary collaboration. RT 3D color Doppler TEE provided precise information for the selection of the appropriate occluder device and facilitated the procedure by guiding the catheter through the often challenging patient anatomy.

Evaluation of vegetation size and its relationship with septic pulmonary embolism in tricuspid valve infective endocarditis: A real time 3DTEE study.

Tricuspid valve infective endocarditis (TVIE) causes septic pulmonary embolism (PE). However, the impact of vegetation size on PE is not fully elucidated. In 26 consecutive patients with definite TVIE according to Duke criteria, we tested clinical, microbiological, and echocardiographic data including real time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3DTEE) as potential predictors of PE. 3DTEE measurement of maximum length of vegetation (MLV) was obtained with Advanced QLAB Quantification Software by cropping the 3D volume with the appropriate 2D plane to obtain the largest value. The standard two-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (2DTEE) images were also evaluated to determine the MLV. Pulmonary embolism occurred after TVIE diagnosis with 3DTEE assessment and initiation of antibiotic therapy in 12 patients (46.2%). The 3DTEE MLV was larger than the 2DTEE value with a mean difference of 3.6mm (95% CI, 2.5-4.6mm). The best cutoff value for prediction of PE was MLV ≥16.4mm with 3DTEE and MLV ≥9.5mm with 2DTEE. The positive predictive value increased from 76.9% to 90% when 3DTEE was used. The accuracy of classification of patients with PE increased from 80.6% to 84.9% with 3DTEE. On multivariate analysis, 3DTEE MLV ≥16.4mm (odds ratio 20.5; 95% confidence interval 1.31-322; P=.031) was independently associated with the occurrence of PE after adjustment for age, sex, complex vegetation, and the number of vegetation-attached leaflets. In TVIE, vegetation length is a strong predictor of the occurrence of PE. In combination with 2DTEE, 3DTEE may identify high-risk patients who will need a more aggressive therapeutic strategy.

Mitral Valve Perforation: The Value of Real Time Three-Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiography

A 63-year-old man was referred to perform a transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) for suspicion of mitral endocarditis. The 2-Dimensional TEE showed a solution of continuity in the anterior leaflet of the mitral valve compatible with mitral perforation

Real time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiographic evaluation of aortic valve perforation.

This study evaluated the feasibility of real time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (RT3DTEE) in the diagnosis and localization of aortic valve perforation. Aortic valve perforation was diagnosed in 12 patients by multiplane two-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (2DTEE). We studied the feasibility of RT3DTEE using en face view in detection and precise localization of the aortic valve perforation. The artifactual dropout on RT3D images of aortic valve can mimic perforation and lead to a false positive diagnosis. We defined a true perforation as the hole with thicker margin and its visibility in both systole and diastole. We combined the RT3D images from 10 subjects with relatively normal aortic valve without perforation (test group) with the 12 with perforation for a blind review by an experienced echocardiographer. There were 14 perforations in 12 patients. The perforation was located in the left coronary cusp in 1, the noncoronary cusp in 7, and the right coronary cusp in 6 patients. In the subgroup of 9 patients with 11 perforations, all were confirmed at surgery. In test group the artifact mimicking perforation was frequently encountered (7/10 or 70%). However, they did not meet the criteria for true perforation except in 1 (1 false positive). All true perforations were correctly recognized. En face imaging with RT3DTEE can be used to confirm aortic valve perforation and its spatial location. However, RT3D should be used as an extension to comprehensive 2DTEE and color flow imaging.

Role of three-dimensional echocardiography in management of acquired intracardiac shunts.

Gerbode defect and sinus of Valsalva aneurysm fistula are congenital and acquired forms of intracardiac shunt. The increasing prevalence of invasive, recurrent cardiovascular procedures cause tissue damage and has led to more iatrogenic and acquired cases of predominantly congenital shunt over time. We report 2 cases of acquired intracardiac fistula precisely defined by Real time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3DTEE). The first case is a 70-year-old male with Gerbode defect after second aortic valve replacement surgery due to prosthetic valve endocarditis and the other case is a 41-year-old male with sinus of Valsalva aneurysm fistula between aorta and right atrium post subclinical infective endocarditis. Advanced cardiac imaging techniques such as cardiac computerized tomography, MRI and Real time three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography help to precisely detect intracardiac fistula and provide detailed anatomic and physiologic information. The relatively low cost, lack of radiation exposure, portability and guiding characteristic make real time 3DTEE an imaging technique with arguably the most advantages. Surgical repair is the usual treatment for intracardiac shunt, and percutaneous catheter-based closure is a less invasive alternative.

Incremental utility of Live/Real time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography in diagnosis of a unique type of subaortic membrane: a case report

Incremental utility of Live/Real time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography in diagnosis of a unique type of subaortic membrane: a case report

Right Atrial Lipoma in a Patient With Complete Heart Block

A 70-year-old man with a recent history of high degree AV block presented to the hospital with progressive shortness of breath and dyspnea of exertion. A mobile intracardiac mass was found on transthoracic echocardiogram that was not present in his previous evaluations. Real time three-dimensional (3D) transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) images revealed a spherical mass within the right atrium; no enhancement after microbubble contrast infusion was noted. Modern echocardiography including 3D TEE and echocardiographic contrast perfusion imaging provide numerous advantages for non-invasive evaluation of intracardiac masses. J Med Cases. 2014;5(5):270-272 doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.14740/ jmc1746w

Utility of Live/Real Time Three‐Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiography in the Assessment and Percutaneous Intervention of Bioprosthetic Pulmonary Valve Stenosis

Accurate echocardiographic evaluation of the pulmonary valve is technically difficult because of its close proximity to the left lung, which often limits decision making. Pulmonary valvotomy is the intervention of choice for symptomatic pulmonary valve stenosis, but fluoroscopy lacks appropriate real time anatomic detail. In this report, we present a case where direct imaging of the pulmonary valve with live/real time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3DTEE) aided in accurate evaluation and was then used to help guide and monitor successful valvuloplasty of a stenotic pulmonary valve bioprosthesis. We demonstrate that even in cases where two-dimensional (2D) evaluation of the pulmonary valve is difficult, the use of live/real time 3DTEE allows for accurate evaluation of bioprosthetic pulmonary valve structure and function, and enhances the precision and monitoring of percutaneous valvuloplasty.

Spontaneous Bileaflet Chordal Rupture Secondary to Myxomatous Degeneration of the Mitral Valve

Mini‐AbstractVarious pathological changes in the mitral valve apparatus have been reported to be associated with ruptured chordae tendineae. Myxomatous degeneration is one of the most common etiologies. The incidence of posterior chordal rupture is higher than that of anterior mitral leaflet. However, spontaneous rupture of both anterior and posterior chordae is very rare. Herein, we present a patient with severe mitral regurgitation due to bileaflet chordal rupture, evaluated by two‐dimensional and real time three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography.

Coexisting Bicuspid Aortic and Pulmonary Valves with Normally Related Great Vessels Diagnosed by Live/Real Time Three‐Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiography

Coexistence of bicuspid aortic and pulmonary valves in the same patient is a very rare entity identified mainly during surgery and postmortem. To the best of our knowledge, only one case has been diagnosed by two-dimensional echocardiography in a newborn with malposition of the great arteries but no images were presented. Here, we are reporting the first case of bicuspid pulmonary and aortic valves diagnosed by live/real time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography in an adult with normally related great arteries.

Right Atrial Lipoma in a Patient With Complete Heart Block

A 70-year-old man with a recent history of high degree AV block presented to the hospital with progressive shortness of breath and dyspnea of exertion. A mobile intracardiac mass was found on transthoracic echocardiogram that was not present in his previous evaluations. Real time three-dimensional (3D) transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) images revealed a spherical mass within the right atrium; no enhancement after microbubble contrast infusion was noted. Modern echocardiography including 3D TEE and echocardiographic contrast perfusion imaging provide numerous advantages for non-invasive evaluation of intracardiac masses. J Med Cases. 2014;5(5):270-272 doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.14740/ jmc1746w

Usefulness of intraoperative real-time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography for pre-procedural evaluation of mitral valve cleft: a case report

A precise pre-procedural evaluation of mitral valve (MV) pathology is essential for planning the surgical strategy for severe mitral regurgitation (MR) and preparing for the intraoperative procedure. In the present case, a 38-year-old woman was scheduled to undergo MV replacement due to severe MR. She had a history of undergoing percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty due to rheumatic mitral stenosis during a previous pregnancy. A preoperative transthoracic echocardiography suggested a tear in the mid tip of the anterior mitral leaflet. However, the "en face" view of the MV in the left atrial perspective using intraoperative real time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (RT 3D-TEE) provided a different diagnosis: a torn cleft in the P2-scallop of the posterior mitral leaflet (PML) with rupture of the chordae. Thus, surgical planning was changed intraoperatively to MV repair (MVRep) consisting of patch closure of the PML, commissurotomy, and lifting annuloplasty. The present case shows that intraoperative RT 3D-TEE provides more precise and reliable spatial information of MV for MVRep and facilitates critical surgical decision-making.

Delineation of an Octopus‐Like Thrombus Attached to the Eustachian Valve

Eustachian valve (EV) is a vestige of the valve of the inferior vena cava which directs the umbilical vein blood through open foramen ovale in fetal life. Following birth it gradually regresses, but it may persist in variable size, shape, and thickness as a functionless and benign structure. However, there are reports suggesting that persistent EV may not be completely innocent. It has been accused of being a predisposing cause of patent foramen ovale and paradoxical embolism and also interfering with transseptal interventional procedures. It may serve as a site of infective vegetations and be mistaken as a tumor or thrombus. In the present case, an octopus-like thrombus attached to the EV was delineated with the utility of two-dimensional and real time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography. EV was considered to play an essential role in preventing potential pulmonary embolism.