Three-Dimensional Echocardiography of Right Heart Pathology |
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Authors: | ARA SADANIANTZ M.D. DOUGLAS BURTT M.D. NAVIN C. NANDA M.D. ZHIAN LI M.D. |
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Affiliation: | The Miriam Hospital, Brown University School of Medicine, Providence, Rhode Island;University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama;Union Hospital, Tongji Medical University, Wuhan, China |
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Abstract: | Three-dimensional (3-D) echocardiography uses sequentially acquired tomography echocardiographic data, which is gated to the cardiac cycle, to reconstruct 3-D views of the heart. So far, this technique has been used primarily to evaluate left-sided heart structures. This report focuses on congenital and acquired right-sided heart pathologies that have been visualized by 3-D echocardiography. In addition to reviewing the literature, several representative figures are included illustrating the unique ability of 3-D echo to elucidate complex right heart anatomy. After a brief introduction to the technical aspects of 3-D echocardiography, the discussion centers on evaluation of congenital heart disease and right-sided masses, determination of right ventricular mass and volume, and evaluation of right-sided valvular heart disease. Congenital heart diseases that are reviewed include atrial septal defect (location, size, efficacy of repair), ventricular septal defect, and congenital heart disease in the fetus being evaluated in utero. Evaluation of right-sided masses, including tumors, vegetations, and thrombi, is reviewed. Methods of determining right ventricular volume and mass using 3-D echo are discussed. Evaluation of valvular heart disease, including Doppler analysis of regurgitant flow, is examined. Finally, special attention is given to the perioperative and intraoperative use of 3-D echocardiography for patients with these conditions. The conclusion summarizes the current and potential future uses of 3-D echocardiography. |
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Keywords: | three-dimensional echocardiography right heart pathology atrial septal defect ventricular septal defect fetal three-dimensional echocardiography right-sided cardiac masses right ventricular volume and mass valvular heart disease intraoperative three-dimensional echocardiography realtime three-dimensional echocardiography |
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