title: Characterization of atrial septal defect assessed by real-time 3-dimensional echocardiography.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, Erasmus MC University Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. a.e.vandenbosch@erasmusmc.nl
authors.forename: Annemien E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: van den Bosch
authors.forename: Derk-Jan
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Ten Harkel
authors.forename: Jackie S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: McGhie
authors.forename: Jolien W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Roos-Hesselink
authors.forename: Maarten L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Simoons
authors.forename: Ad J J C
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Bogers
authors.forename: Folkert J
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Meijboom
mesh_terms: 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