It had been thought that precise temporal analysis would be spoiled after 2-D echo was developed instead of M-mode. But 2-D echo is superior to 1-D when the anatomical abnormalities are investigated. We now have a new tool of 3-D imaging of ultrasound. Can we find new knowledge of an undiscovered world? In this symposium, the usefulness of 3-D and 4-D echo in cardiac shape and motion analysis in some cardiac disorders is discussed.
Dr A Franke of Aachen, Germany presented the morphological change of mitral regurgitation by 3-D echo and stressed the importance of the 3-D assessment at quantitation of MR grading, in respect of vene contracta, PISA and flow measurement.
Dr Gutierrez-Chico demonstrated the accuracy of LV volume measurement by 3-D. It has been accepted that 2-D measurement may be accurate, but it is not correct, because of inadequate positioning of the transducer.
Dr M J Monaghan presented the 3-D usage for diagnosing candidates of CRT. He concluded that parametric 4-D imaging will be standard for patient selection of CRT.
Dr S De Castro discussed the significance of the remodeling index. This index is equivalent between healthy subjects and athletes, while it is quite different in patients with DCM or HCM.
Conclusion
Here we have a powerful arm to detect regional and global abnormalities in cardiac shape and function. Real time 3-D techniques will be used widely in future.