4D ultrasound quantification of LV function and valvular pathology

Real-time 3D echocardiography is currently limited by factors including accessibility of analysis software to quickly and accurately determine ventricular volumes for assessment of myocardial function. The goal of this study was to examine the capabilities of a 3D system to acquire full 4D echocardiographic datasets and evaluate the ability to obtain both LV function and valvular pathology. 3D exams were performed on 52 patients. 3D apical view datasets were analyzed using a GE Medical Systems workstation with a LV Function plug-in from Tomtec Imaging Systems. 3D data sets were analyzed by 2 independent observers. Interobserver variability varied with image quality, but was approximately 8% across all but 4 poor quality exams. Processing time also improved with better image quality, but averaged about 4 minutes. Tools for providing clinical data for assessment of LV function and valvular pathology are improving.