Objective:
The purpose of this study was to determine whether Real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT3D) is superior to two-dimensional echocardiography (2D) in determining mechanisms and site(s) of atrioventricular valve (AV valve) regurgitation in congenital heart disease.
Background:
Data is lacking on the utility of RT3D echo in congenital abnormalities of the AV valves.
Methods:
Between May 2006 and April 2007, 35 cases were prospectively studied prior to AV valve repair (20 left and 15 right) by 2D transthoracic (2DTTE), 2D transesophageal (2DTEE) and RT3D (Philips matrix array X 3–1 and X 7–2). Thirty one had significant and 4 mild regurgitation. Ages ranged from 24 days to 30 years (mean 13.8 years), weight 2.2 to 42kg (mean 26.1Kg). The 2DTTE and TEE were reviewed by a blinded observer. The 3D data were analyzed by a separate observer. In 28 patients surgical findings and regurgitation from saline testing were recorded by digital video and later analyzed by an experienced cardiac surgeon. The remaining 7 had a detailed description of the valve morphology documented immediately after surgery. Surgical findings were used as the gold standard for the assessment of structural abnormalities, with RT3D for the evaluation of regurgitation.
Results:
See table
for structural abnormalities. For both the left and right AV valve, saline testing provided a poorer correlation with RT3D color Doppler jet location, in particular for regurgitant jets from the commmissures (p < 0.01).
Conclusion:
Transthoracic RT3D provides new and superior information as to the mechanisms and site(s) of AV valve failure in congenital heart disease.
Concordance between 2D TTE, 2D TEE and 3D TTE compared to surgical findings
Recent advances in echocardiography for valvular heart disease
