Incremental Value of Three-Dimensional Echocardiography Over Transesophageal Multiplane Two-Dimensional Echocardiography in Qualitative and Quantitative Assessment of Cardiac Masses and Defects

In the present study, we compared three-dimensionally (3-D) reconstructed images with multiplane two-dimensional (2-D) transesophageal echocardiographic (TEE) images in 17 patients with various cardiac masses and defects. To overcome the problem of making measurements from 3-D reconstructed images, we carefully "dissected" the 3-D dataset using paraplane and anyplane 2-D sections, which were then used to obtain the maximum sizes of the cardiac masses and defects. Of the 15 vegetations and 9 abscesses detected by 3-D TEE in 7 patients, only 8 (53%) vegetations and 4 (44%) abscesses were detected by multiplane 2-D TEE (P < 0.02). Also, the exact anatomical location, shape, geometry, and extent of various cardiac masses and defects were more clearly delineated by 3-D than 2-D TEE. The maximum dimensions of cardiac masses and defects were larger by 3-D than by 2-D TEE in 17 (89%) of the 19 lesions available for comparison (P < 0.002). In addition, 3-D TEE correlated more closely than 2-D TEE when compared to surgical measurements in three patients in whom they were available. Thus, it would appear that in several instances, the exact size of the cardiac lesion could only be assessed by analysis of the 3-D volumetric dataset. Out preliminary study has demonstrated the superiority of transesophageal 3-D reconstruction over multiplane 2-D TEE in both qualitative and quantitative assessment of various cardiac mass lesions and pathological defects.     

The Role of Intraoperative Transesophageal Echocardiography in Robotic Mitral Valve Repair

Background: Robotic mitral valve (MV) repair is a new surgical technique that uses small incisions. Previous studies have demonstrated the importance of intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) for conventional MV surgery with the use of a median sternotomy incision. The aim of the present study was to delineate the utility of intraoperative TEE in robotic MV repair. Methods: Intraoperative TEE was performed in 22 consecutive patients undergoing robotic MV repair for severe degenerative mitral regurgitation (MR) over a period of 2 years. Before cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), TEE was used to define the lesions of degenerative MR and the localization of the prolapsed leaflets, and to evaluate the severity of MR. During establishment of peripheral CPB, TEE was used to guide placement of the cannulae in the inferior vena cava (IVC), superior vena cava (SVC), and ascending aorta (AAO). After weaning from CPB, TEE was used to assess immediately the competency of the surgical repair. Results: Agreement between TEE and surgical findings was excellent: 92.3% (kappa, 0.873) for the lesions of degenerative MR, and 98.5% (kappa, 0.943) for the localization of the prolapsed leaflets. Under TEE guidance, all the cannulae (100%) in the SVC, IVC, and AAO were placed correctly. TEE demonstrated all the patients (100%) had successful robotic MV repairs. Conclusions: Intraoperative TEE is a valuable adjunct in the assessment of robotic MV repair. (Echocardiography 2011;28:85‐91)     

术中超声心动图在心脏外科的应用价值

术中超声心动图包括经食道和心外膜超声心动图 ,在心脏外科体外循环前能完善诊断 ,有效降低围术期的并发症。本文概述该项技术在心脏外科手术中的应用价值。     

心脏直视手术中经食管超声心动图描记术的临床研究

目的：探讨术中经食管超声心动图描记术（ＩＴＥＥ）的临床应用价值。方法：回顾性研究总结１０６例接受ＩＴＥＥ检查的患者。结果：６６．０％的患者行瓣膜手术，其中包括二尖瓣成形术、二尖瓣替换术、主动脉瓣替换术、三尖瓣成形术及主动脉瓣、二尖瓣双瓣替换术；１２．３％的患者行左心室流出道疏通术；１１．３％的患者行带瓣主动脉替换术；１０．４％的患者行先天性心脏病矫治术，其中２例患者行经皮穿刺心房间隔缺损钮扣装置封堵术。结论：ＩＴＥＥ能即时评价人工瓣膜位于体内的功能状态，检出瓣周漏；准确地判断左心室流出道疏通的效果；ＩＴＥＥ检查在经皮穿刺缺损封堵术中也有较大的应用潜力。     

Three-Dimensional Echocardiography of the Aortic Valve: Feasibility, Clinical Potential, and Limitations

Objectives: The purpose of our study was to assess the feasibility and potential clinical utility of three-dimensional echocardiography for evaluation of the aortic valve. Background: The value of three-dimensional echocardiographic assessment of the aortic valve has not been established yet. Methods: The study group comprised 32 patients (11 women, 21 men), mean age 56.1 (range 20–82). Seven morphologically normal valves, 5 homografts, 6 mechanical prostheses, and 14 valves of abnormal morphology were evaluated. Images were acquired during a routine multiplane transesophageal echocardiographic examination (rotational scan with 2° interval, respiration, and electrocardiogram [ECG] gating) and postprocessed off-line. A selection of reconstructed cutplanes (anyplane mode) and volume-rendered three-dimensional views of aortic valve anatomy were analyzed by two observers and compared with two-dimensional echocardiography findings. Results: The quality of reconstructions was scored excellent when permitting unrestricted assessment of aortic valve anatomy with optimized planimetric measurements (19 patients, 59%), adequate when aortic valve was partially visualized (7 patients, 22%), or inadequate when no assessment was possible (6 patients, 19%, including 5 with prosthetic valves). Three-dimensional echocardiography provided additional information in ten (31%) patients as compared with the two-dimensional echocardiographic findings. Conclusions. It can be concluded that three-dimensional echocardiographic reconstruction of the aortic valve is feasible, with excellent or adequate quality in 81% of patients, more frequently in native than in prosthetic valves, P < 0.05. Morphologic information additional to that provided by two-dimensional echocardiography is obtained in a significant proportion of patients.     

Incremental Value of Three‐Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiography over Two‐Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiography in the Assessment of Lambl's Excrescences and Nodules of Arantius on the Aortic Valve

In this retrospective study, we identified 7 cases where Lambl's excrescences were identified by two‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (2DTEE) and also had live/real time three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3DTEE) studies available for comparison. We subsequently assessed them for the presence of Lambl's excrescences (LE) and nodules of Arantius (NA) on the aortic valve. After their identification, we qualitatively and quantitatively organized our findings by number, cusp location, measurements, and orientation if applicable. A greater number of LE was found by 3DTEE than 2DTEE (19 vs. 11, respectively). In all 3DTEE studies, their cusp attachment site, their x‐, y‐, and z‐axis measurements, and orientation were clearly visualized and described. Only 3DTEE studies provided confident visualization of the cusp attachment sites. Similarly, a greater number of NA was found by 3DTEE than 2DTEE (21 vs. 5, respectively). The triad of NA was visualized in all 3DTEE studies and each was described using its x‐, y‐, and z‐ axis measurements. Only three 2DTEE studies provided reliable identification of the NA. In conclusion, we present further evidence of the incremental value of 3DTEE over 2DTEE in the qualitative and quantitative assessment of cardiac structures including LE and NA on the aortic valve.     

Evaluation of a Posterior Mitral Valve Leaflet Aneurysm by Real Time Three-Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiography

Posterior mitral valve (MV) leaflet aneurysms are extremely rare complications of infective endocarditis (IE). When MV aneurysms occur, they usually involve the anterior leaflet. Real time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (RT3D TEE) has been recently developed and provides views of unparalleled quality by optimizing visualization of spatial relationships. We present a rare case of a posterior MV leaflet aneurysm due to IE in a 64-year-old woman, best visualized by RT3D TEE.     

Intraoperative Real Time Three-Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiographic Measurement of Hemodynamic, Anatomic and Functional Changes after Aortic Valve Replacement

The traditional intraoperative two-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (2DTEE) has limitations in measuring left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) because measurements rely on geometric assumptions. The availability of online software and real time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (RT3D-TEE) makes intraoperative LVEF measurements fast and easy. This is the first report of intraoperative measurement of LVEF and aortic valve area (AVA) by RT3-DTEE in a patient who received transcatheter-based transapical aortic valve implantation .     

Accurate Localization and Echocardiographic‐Pathologic Correlation of Tricuspid Valve Angiolipoma by Intraoperative Transesophageal Echocardiography

Angiolipoma (angiolipohamartoma) of the tricuspid valve (TV) is a rare tumor which may be occasionally misdiagnosed as right atrial (RA) myxoma. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) provides accurate information regarding the size, shape, mobility as well as site of attachment of RA tumors and is a superior modality as compared to transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). Correct diagnosis of RA tumors has therapeutic significance and guides management of patients, as myxomas are generally more aggressively managed than lipomas. We describe a rare case of a pedunculated angiolipoma of the TV which was misdiagnosed as RA myxoma on TTE and discuss the echocardiographic‐pathologic correlates of the tumor as well as its accurate localization by TEE. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume 26, November 2009)     

Three-Dimensional Echocardiography and Mitral Valve Disease

Three-dimensional echocardiography is a growing imaging modality, particularly for the evaluation of mitral valve pathology. Functional anatomy in disease states such as mitral regurgitation and stenosis as well as prosthetic valves can be effectively studied, offering superior knowledge to treating physicians. Additionally, three-dimensional echocardiography has the ability to help guide operative and percutaneous interventions, allowing for improved patient outcomes and advancement of clinical research. Continued experience with three-dimensional echocardiography will further our knowledge of the mitral valve and refine current indications for cardiovascular imaging.     

The Role of Intraoperative Transesophageal Echocardiography in Heart Transplantation

The number of centers that perform heart transplants has increased rapidly in recent years. Although transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography (TTE and TEE) are utilized frequently to diagnose and manage cardiac complications commonly found in this population postoperatively, little has been written about the routine use of intraoperative TEE. Intraoperative echo is ideally suited to identify acute complications during cardiac transplantation. This can include immediate signs of rejection, valvular abnormalities, and mechanical complications related to the surgical procedure. Many of these patients might require ventricular assist devices (VAD) to provide circulatory support, and intraoperative TEE can be used to verify correct positioning of the VAD hardware. In addition, many of the chronic complications that patients with heart transplants are at risk for may be serious yet asymptomatic. Therefore, a high quality, complete intraoperative echocardiographic study might serve as an important baseline to compare postoperative changes.     

Accuracy of Intraoperative Transesophageal Echocardiography in the Prediction of Future Neo‐aortic Valve Function after the Ross Procedure in Children and Young Adults

Objective. Neo‐aortic insufficiency (neo‐AI) has been noted following the Ross procedure. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) to predict future neo‐AI in pediatric patients undergoing the Ross from January 1995 to December 2003, who had an intraoperative TEE, and discharge and follow‐up transthoracic (TTE) echocardiograms. Design. Retrospective case series. Patients. All patients who underwent the Ross procedure at Children's Hospital of Philadephia between January 1995 and December 2003, and had an intraoperative TEE, discharge, and follow‐up (>6 months) transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) (by July 1, 2004) were included. Outcome Measures. Grade of neo‐AI was assessed on intraoperative TEE, discharge, and follow‐up TTE echocardiogram reports. Results. Follow‐up was available in 99/115 (86%) survivors. Median age at Ross was 9.3 years (4 days?34 years). No patient had more than mild neo‐AI on intraoperative TEE. At discharge, 2 patients (2%) had moderate neo‐AI. At most recent follow‐up (median 4.2 years, 8 months?9.3 years), 21 patients (21%) had moderate or greater neo‐AI; 9 underwent neo‐aortic reintervention. The presence of any neo‐AI on intraoperative TEE had 100% sensitivity and negative predictive value for diagnosing moderate or greater neo‐AI at discharge. Patients who had mild neo‐AI on TEE were more likely to have moderate or greater neo‐AI at most recent follow‐up than those patients with no neo‐AI on TEE (9% vs. 30%, P = 0.01). Conclusion. Intraoperative TEE is an excellent screening tool for the presence of significant neo‐AI at the time of hospital discharge. Neo‐AI progresses over time after Ross procedure and is more likely to progress in those patients with neo‐AI on intraoperative TEE. However, predictive validity decreases over time as neo‐AI progresses.