Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 30, 2026
Evaluation of Left Ventricular Structure and Function using 3D Echocardiography
Published on: October 28, 2020
Dynamic three-dimensional echocardiography with a computed tomography imaging probe: initial clinical experience with
1Department of Paediatric Cardiology, Deutsches Herzzentrum München, Munich, Germany.
Objective:
To assess the clinical applicability of a prototype computed tomographic echocardiographic imaging probe in paediatric patients with congenital heart disease.
Design:
A phased array echocardiographic transducer (64 elements, 5 MHz) mounted on a sliding carriage was used transthoracically in various positions on the chest. The transducer moves from the outflow tract to the apex of the heart in 0.5 to 1.3 mm increments and records a tomographic slice of the heart at each increment level. Parallel images are recorded at a frame rate of 25-30 images/s. At each level a complete cardiac cycle is recorded. The images are digitised and stored in the image processing computer, which reconstructs the anatomical structures of the heart in a three-dimensional format by means of different grey scales.
Patients:
45 paediatric patients (age range 3 days to 17 years) with various congenital heart defects who had been admitted to hospital for diagnostic or therapeutic cardiac catheterisation or surgery.
Results:
Good quality echocardiographic pictures were obtained in all but two of the 45 patients. Three-dimensional reconstructions of the heart were possible from transthoracic echocardiograms. The recorded cardiac chambers and valves were displayed in three-dimensions in real time (four-dimensionally). The heart was also displayed in real time in any desired plane and in up to five planes simultaneously without having to change the position of the transducer on the chest. Different parts of the heart were displayed in a view similar to that seen by a surgeon during an operation. Image acquisition took 3-5 minutes and three-dimensional reconstruction of various cardiac structures 20-90 minutes.
Conclusions:
The computed tomographic imaging probe facilitates acquisition of echocardiographic data as multiple planes can be obtained from one transducer position. Display of three-dimensional structures of the heart may enhance the understanding of cardiac anatomy.
Related Concept Videos
01:10Computed Tomography
The technique was invented in the 1970s and is based on the principle that as X-rays pass through the body, they are absorbed or reflected at different levels. In the technique, a patient lies on a motorized platform while a computerized axial tomography (CAT) scanner rotates...
01:17Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System I:Echocardiography
Indications: Echocardiography is utilized to diagnose heart failure, valve disorders, and myocardial infarction. It also assesses cardiac structures' size, shape, and motion, evaluates...
01:20Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System II:Types of Echocardiography
Types of Echocardiography
Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE)
TTE is the most common type of echocardiogram which involves placing a transducer on the patient's chest, emitting sound waves to create heart images. TTE is invaluable for evaluating the heart's size, structure, and motion, making it particularly useful for diagnosing...
01:28Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT