[Three-dimensional echocardiography: preliminary experience in congenital cardiac disease].
BACKGROUND
Anatomical comprehension of congenital cardiac diseases by 2D echocardiography is occasionally very difficult. 3D echocardiography provides a more spatial anatomical information avoiding the need of two-dimensional reconstruction.


METHODS
Of the 271 cases studied 80 were foetal and 191 patients. In all cases, 2D and 3D echocardiography was performed (Sonos 7500 with matrix probe). Four modes of 3D imaging were used.


RESULTS
3D echocardiography gave an accurate description of the size, form and wedges of septals defects. In atrioventricular septal defects and mitral anomalies, 3D echocardiography was useful for the assessment of dynamic valve morphology and mechanisms of regurgitation. In foetal screening the segmentary heart study was carried out from a single acoustic window.


CONCLUSIONS
3D real time echocardiography is a feasible, easy and rapid technique. It provides anatomical and functional details needed for an accurate comprehension of congenital cardiac diseases. In foetal screening, it provides an easier segmentary analysis of the entire foetal heart.
Rubio Vidal
M D
MD
Servicios de Cardiología Infantil. Hospital Universitario La Paz. Madrid. España.
Deiros Bronte
L
L
del Cerro Marín
M J
MJ
García Guereta
L
L
Rodríguez
R
R
Moreno
F
F