Copyright © 1996 by the European Society of Cardiology.
© 1996 The European Society of Cardiology
Three-dimensional echocardiography using a transoesophageal imaging probe
Potentials and technical considerations
2nd Department of Internal MedicinelDivision of Cardiology, University of Vienna Vienna, Austria
Received 20 June 1995; accepted 11 July 1995.
Correspondence: Thomas Binder, MD, 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
Abstract
Appreciation of three-dimensional relationships could be useful in cardiac diagnosis, decision making and planning of surgery. However, current ultrasound techniques provide only two-dimensional views.
A recently developed echocardiographic computerized tomography unit allows reconstruction of three-dimensional images from a series of transoesophageal slices. To evaluate the potentials and limitations of this technique we per formed echo computer tomographic examinations in 104 patients with a total number of 227 scans. All but two patients tolerated the procedure well and no serious complications were encountered.
Indications for echo computer tomography included coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, atrial masses, myocardial infarction, mitral and aortic valve replacement, aortic aneurysm and congenital defects. Most of the anatomical structures could be visualized with the best results obtained for the left atrium, the left ventricular outflow tract and the aortic and mitral valve apparatus. However, a variety of technical factors must be considered to achieve optimal results and to avoid misinterpretation.
In 86% of patients the underlying pathology could be visualised by echo-computed tomography, particularly congenital defects such as those of the atrial or ventricular septa, but mitral valve pathologies provided the best results. In these cases three-dimensional imaging led to a better perception and understanding of structural relationships.
In conclusion, despite current limitations in data acquisition, processing and computing power, echo computer tomography has the potential to provide relevant information in selected clinical settings.
Key Words: Transoesophageal echocardiography • three-dimensional reconstruction • ultrasonic imaging • three-dimensional ultrasound
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