Characterization of atrial septal defect assessed by real-time 3-dimensional echocardiography.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to describe a quantitative evaluation by real-time 3-dimensional (3D) echocardiography (RT-3DE) of atrial septal defect (ASD) and atrial septum that is important for patient selection for transcatheter closure, and to assess the reliability of RT-3DE findings compared with operation.


METHODS
Forty-five patients, who were scheduled for surgical or transcatheter closure of an ASD, were included in the study.


RESULTS
In 43 patients (96%), 3D reconstructions allowed optimal imaging of the ASD. The correlations between the ASD maximal diameter by RT-3DE and operation or balloon sizing were excellent (r > 0.95). All surrounding rims of the atrial septum could be assessed on 3D reconstruction; except for the aortic rim, a cross-sectional reconstruction was created mimicking the transesophageal echocardiographic cross section (r > 0.92).


CONCLUSIONS
RT-3DE allows accurate determination of ASD location, ASD size, and surrounding tissue of the atrial septum, and might replace transesophageal echocardiography for patient selection for surgical or transcatheter closure.
van den Bosch
Annemien E
AE
Department of Cardiology, Erasmus MC University Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. a.e.vandenbosch@erasmusmc.nl
Ten Harkel
Derk-Jan
DJ
McGhie
Jackie S
JS
Roos-Hesselink
Jolien W
JW
Simoons
Maarten L
ML
Bogers
Ad J J C
AJ
Meijboom
Folkert J
FJ
D002675:Child, Preschool; D003199:Computer Systems; D019560:Echocardiography, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006344:Heart Septal Defects, Atrial / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012720:Severity of Illness Index