Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 24, 2026
06:34
Evaluation of Left Ventricular Structure and Function using 3D Echocardiography
Published on: October 28, 2020
Left Atrial Volume and Strain by Two-Dimensional Versus Three-Dimensional Echocardiography in Healthy Subjects:
Lei Li1,2, Chunyuan You1,2, Xiaoyang Yan1,2
1Department of Cardiology, Wuxi No. 2 People's Hospital, Wuxi, China.
Echocardiography (Mount Kisco, N.Y.)
|June 23, 2026
Summary
Two-dimensional (2DE) echocardiography shows lower left atrial (LA) volumes but higher LA strain and ejection fraction (EF) values compared to three-dimensional (3DE) echocardiography. Normal reference values between 2DE and 3DE LA parameters are not interchangeable.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Echocardiography
- Cardiac Mechanics
Background:
- Limited understanding of differences in left atrial (LA) volume and strain assessment between 2D and 3D echocardiography.
- Need for comparative analysis of these echocardiographic modalities in healthy individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare left atrial (LA) volume indices (LAVIs) and strain parameters derived from 2D and 3D echocardiography (3DE).
- To evaluate the agreement and correlation between 2DE and 3DE measurements in healthy subjects.
Main Methods:
- Left atrial (LA) volumes and strains were assessed using both 3DE and 2DE.
- Study included 328 healthy subjects (mean age 52 ± 13 years, 51.83% male).
Main Results:
- 3DE yielded significantly higher LA volume indices (LAVIs) compared to 2DE (e.g., maximal LAVI: 26.75 vs. 22.66 mL/m²).
- 3DE demonstrated significantly lower LA phasic strains (reservoir, conduit, contractile) and emptying fractions (EFs) than 2DE.
- Moderate correlation was observed for LAVIs and LA conduit strain, but poor agreement for reservoir and contractile strains, indicating non-interchangeability.
Conclusions:
- 2DE underestimates LA volumes but overestimates LA strain and EF compared to 3DE.
- Despite significant correlations, normal reference values for LA parameters derived from 2DE and 3DE are not interchangeable.
- Clinical interpretation requires consideration of the specific echocardiographic modality used for LA assessment.
