THREE-DIMENSIONAL ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY - RECENT ADVANCES

Three-dimensional echocardiography is a recent and advanced technique analyzing the structures of the heart starting from bidimensional images obtained in three different planes (sagittal, frontal and transversal). Images are then processed by special software to reproduce the real three-dimensional structures of the heart. This technique, by its two methods (transthoracic and transesophageal three-dimensional echocardiography) allows an accurate view of the cardiac structures (valvular aspect, size and shape of interatrial defect, intracardiac masses and prosthetic valves) and helps to identify the most favorable type and timing of surgical treatment. Furthermore, transvalvular jets can be assessed more accurately not only by their velocity measurement by standard 2D echocardiography. Three-dimensional reconstruction of the left ventricle really brings more data about its contractility, mechanical activity and systolic function.