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Published on: October 28, 2020
Three-dimensional echocardiography of ventricular septal defects
M Hoch1, U Roemer, R Kozlik-Feldmann
1Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Grosshadern Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.
Insights
Three-dimensional echocardiography provides unique views of ventricular septal defects (VSDs). This technique aids in accurately assessing VSD size and type, improving patient selection for interventional closure.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Echocardiography
- Medical Technology
Background:
- Three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) is becoming more accessible.
- Accurate assessment of ventricular septal defects (VSDs) is crucial for effective treatment planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the experience with 3D reconstructions of various types of VSDs.
- To demonstrate the utility of 3DE in characterizing VSDs for pathological classification and interventional planning.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing 3D echocardiography to reconstruct en-face views of the left and right ventricles.
- Correlating reconstructed images with established pathological classifications of VSDs.
- Identifying key anatomical landmarks within the 3D reconstructions.
Main Results:
- Unique 3D images of all VSD types were successfully reconstructed.
- 3DE visualization of the entire VSD circumference allowed for precise size assessment, avoiding under- or overestimation.
- Key landmarks for pathological classification were clearly depicted.
Conclusions:
- 3D echocardiography offers valuable insights into VSD morphology.
- This imaging modality provides an accurate assessment of VSD size and type.
- 3DE serves as a useful tool for interventionalists in patient and device selection for VSD closure.
Abstract:
Three-dimensional echocardiography is increasingly available. We report our experience with 3D reconstructions of ventricular septal defects: Unique images of all different types of ventricular septal defects are reconstructed from left and right ventricular en-face views. The images are discussed according to pathological classifications. The images shown in this article include all landmarks used in pathological classifications of ventricular septal defects to distinguish the different types of the defects and their extension directions. The possibility of visualizing the whole circumference prevents the examiner from under- or overestimating the size of a defect and gives the interventionalist a useful tool for patient and device selection for interventional VSD closure.
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