6533b853fe1ef96bd12ac359

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Three-Dimensional Echocardiographic Evaluation of Aortic and Mitral Valve Stenosis

subject

description

Dynamic volume rendered three-dimensional echocardiography allows the spatial recognition of anatomy and function of the aortic and mitral valves with acceptable image quality. The aortic valve can be best visualized in a view from the ascending aorta down to the valve level, thus allowing an overview of the aortic aspect of the valve in a surgeon's perspective in ∼ 80% of patients. Planimetric measurement of the aortic valve area was possible in 88% of patients, and there is no systematic overestimation or underestimation of aortic valve area compared with two-dimensional echocardiography and catheterization. The entire valvular circumference of the mitral valve can be assessed from both a left atrial and a left ventricular perspective. Advantages of the three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography mitral valve area determination compared with transthoracic two-dimensional planimetry and Doppler-derived pressure half-time method are present in patients with severely calcified mitral valves and in those with combined aortic regurgitation.