A new dynamic three-dimensional digital color doppler method for quantification of pulmonary regurgitation: validation study in an animal model

Objectives The purpose of the present study was to validate a newly developed three-dimensional (3D) digital color Doppler method for quantifying pulmonary regurgitation (PR), using an animal model of chronic PR. Background Spectral Doppler methods cannot reliably be used to assess pulmonary regurgitation. Methods In eight sheep with surgically created PR, 27 different hemodynamic states were studied. Pulmonary and aortic electromagnetic (EM) probes and meters were used to provide reference right ventricular (RV) forward and pulmonary regurgitant stroke volumes. A multiplane transesophageal probe was placed directly on the RV and aimed at the RV outflow tract. Electrocardiogram-gated and rotational 3D scans were performed for acquiring dynamic 3D digital velocity data. After 3D digital Doppler data were transferred to a computer workstation, the RV forward and pulmonary regurgitant flow volumes were obtained by a program that computes the velocity vectors over a spherical surface perpendicular to the direction of scanning. Results Pulmonary regurgitant volumes and RV forward stroke volumes computed by the 3D method correlated well with those by the EM method (r = 0.95, mean DIFFERENCE = 0.51 ± 1.89 ml/beat for the pulmonary regurgitant volume; and R = 0.91, mean DIFFERENCE = −0.22 ± 3.44 ml/beat for the RV stroke volume). As a result of these measurements, the regurgitant fractions derived by the 3D method agreed well with the reference data (r = 0.94, mean DIFFERENCE = 2.06 ± 6.11%). Conclusions The 3D digital color Doppler technique is a promising method for determining pulmonary regurgitant volumes and regurgitant fractions. It should have an important application in clinical settings.