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.