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Three-dimensional volumetric measurement of the aortic root compared to standard two-dimensional measurements using
Masataka Suzuki1, Shumpei Mori1, Yu Izawa1
1Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan.
Insights
Three-dimensional volumetric measurements offer a more accurate assessment of the aortic root than traditional 2D methods. These findings are crucial for evaluating changes in the diseased aortic root.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Anatomy and Physiology
Background:
- Two-dimensional (2D) measurements have limitations in accurately representing the complex 3D structure of the aortic root.
- Volumetric (3D) measurement presents an ideal alternative for more precise aortic root assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare 2D and 3D measurement techniques for the aortic root.
- To provide average data for a structurally normal aortic root using both 2D and 3D imaging.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 123 cardiac computed tomography scans.
- Measurement of aortic root dimensions using three conventional 2D methods.
- Quantification of aortic root volume using 3D volume-rendering techniques.
Main Results:
- The largest sinus-to-sinus 2D measurement was significantly larger than other 2D methods (p < .0001).
- Mean aortic root volume (13.6 ± 4.2 ml) showed the strongest correlation with the bisecting 2D measurement (R² = .8401, p < .0001).
Conclusions:
- This study provides average 2D and 3D data for the normal aortic root.
- Observed differences and correlations are important for evaluating and monitoring diseased aortic roots.
Introduction:
Two-dimensional measurements are self-evidently limited when seeking accurately to represent the three-dimensional complexity of the aortic root. Volumetric measurement, therefore, seems an ideal alternative for a more accurate assessment.
Materials And Methods:
We retrospectively analyzed 123 individuals undergoing cardiac computed tomography. We measured the dimensions of the sinuses of Valsalva using routine multiplanar short axis imaging. Three conventional two-dimensional methods were applied to measure the dimensions of the sinuses. These involved bisecting center of sinus-to-center of interleaflet triangle measures, along with center of sinus-to-center of sinus, and largest sinus-to-sinus measurements. We then quantified the volumes of the root using the volume-rendering method.
Results:
The mean dimensions of the sinuses were significantly greater when measured using the largest sinus-to-sinus method as opposed to center of sinus-to-center of interleaflet triangle and center of sinus-to-center of sinus methods (33.6 ± 3.6 mm vs. 31.1 ± 3.1 mm and 30.9 ± 3.3 mm, p < .0001). The mean root volume of 13.6 ± 4.2 ml showed the strongest correlation with the mean dimensions of the sinuses of Valsalva measured using the bisecting method (R2 = .8401, p < .0001).
Conclusions:
By using two- and three-dimensional measurements, we have provided average data for the structurally normal aortic root. The differences and correlations encountered should be noted when evaluating and following changes in the diseased root.
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