Abstract
Background - The aim of the present study was to investigate the feasibility and potential value of the computer-controlled, 3D, echocardiographic reconstruction of the color Doppler-imaged vena contracta (CDVC) and the flow convergence (FC) region as a means of accurately and quantitatively estimating the severity of a ventricular septal defect (VSD). Methods and Results - We performed a 3D reconstruction of the CDVC and the FC region in 19 patients with an isolated VSD using an ultrasound system interfaced with a Tomtec computer. The variable asymmetric geometry of the CDVC and the FC region could be 3D-visualized in all patients. The 3D-measured areas of CDVC correlated well with volumetric measurements of the severity of VSD (r=0.97, P<0.001). Regression analysis between the shunt flow rate (calculated from the product of the area of CDVC and the continuous Doppler-derived velocity time integral) and the corresponding reference results (calculated by cardiac catheterization) demonstrated a close correlation (r=0.95, P<0.001). There was also a good correlation between shunt flow rates calculated using the conventional 2D, 1-axis measurement of the FC isovelocity surface area with the hemispheric assumption (r=0.95, P<0.001); shunt flow rates calculated using 3D, 3-axis measurements of the FC region (r=0.97, P<0.01); and reference results by cardiac catheterization. However, the 2D method substantially underestimated the actual shunt flow rate. Conclusions - The 3D reconstruction of the CDVC and the FC region may aid in quantifying the severity of VSD.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 664-669 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Circulation |
Volume | 103 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Feb 6 2001 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Blood flow
- Defects
- Echocardiography
- Imaging
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
- Physiology (medical)