Three-dimensional echocardiography to quantify mitral valve regurgitation
1The Methodist DeBakey Heart and Vascular Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA. SHLittle@tmhs.org
Current Opinion in Cardiology
|August 10, 2012
Summary
Three-dimensional echocardiography offers new insights into mitral valve regurgitation. Advanced 3D color Doppler methods accurately quantify regurgitation severity and should be integrated into routine clinical practice.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Echocardiography
- Cardiac Mechanics
Background:
- Mitral valve regurgitation (MVR) assessment has been limited by 2D imaging.
- 3D echocardiography provides volumetric data for improved understanding of MVR.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current 3D echocardiographic technologies for MVR.
- To highlight advancements in quantifying MVR severity using 3D methods.
Main Methods:
- Live 3D transesophageal echocardiography.
- Single-beat 3D color Doppler imaging.
- Volumetric leaflet imaging and vena contracta area measurement.
Main Results:
- 3D imaging distinguishes organic from functional MVR.
- 3D color Doppler accurately quantifies MVR severity, overcoming 2D limitations.
- Direct measurement of regurgitant jet vena contracta area is validated against MRI.
Conclusions:
- 3D color Doppler is validated for accurate and reproducible MVR quantification.
- These advanced tools are clinically available and recommended for routine MVR assessment.
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