Real-time Three-dimensional Echocardiography: A Feasible and Accurate Method for Measuring Right Ventricular Function in Pulmonary Hypertension

Abstract

Right ventricular function is independently associated with poor clinical outcomes in patients with various cardiovascular diseases including pulmonary hypertension (PH). The complex geometry and mode of contractility means the right ventricle (RV) inlet and outlet are not in line; hence, 2-dimensional echocardiography fails to accurately quantify RV volumes and function in such patients. Three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) allows for reliable and reproducible quantification of RV volumes and function by overcoming these limitations of conventional echocardiography. This review focuses on the 3DE assessment of RV function in patients with PH and discusses the following points: (1) acquiring an RV data set for 3DE imaging, including details of all available 3DE systems and software utilized in daily practice; (2) the reliability and feasibility of RV remodeling measured with 3DE with different modalities in patients with PH; and (3) the prognostic value of 3DE-derived RV function in such patients.

Non-invasive imaging techniques for early diagnosis of bilateral cardiac dysfunction in pulmonary hypertension: current crests, future peaks

“…Owing to the complex geometry, crescent shape, and complex mode of contractility of the RV, 2D echocardiography (2DE) is unable to locate the RV inlet and outlet in the same image. Consequently, three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) is a more precise and feasible tool than 2DE for the assessment of RV volumes and function ( 60 ). RV function measured with 3DE ( Figure 3 ) was found to be more closely correlated with gold standards CMR and cardiac catheterization ( 36 , 61 – 63 ).…”