Novel Semi-Automatic Quantitative Assessment of The Aortic Valve and Aortic Root from Volumetric 3D Echocardiography: Comparison to Volumetric Cardiac Computed Tomography (CT)

Background: Accurate anatomical and functional assessment of AV and aortic root is crucial to understand the pathophysiology of abnormalities and management decision-making in patient with aortic valve diease and aortic aneurysm.The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of novel semi-automatic assessment of AV and aortic root from volumetric 3-D Echo compared to CT. Methods: Volume-rendered 3-D TEE data were obtained using V5M transducer(Sequoia, Siemens). 6 points (commisures and valve tips) at ED and ES were identified on the 3-D TEE data. Volumetric CT images were acquired using 64-Slice CT(Avanto, Siemens). A dynamic 3-D model of the AV and root were obtained by standard mathematical modeling approach (non-uniform rational B-splines).This enabled automatic visualization and quantification of AV and root. We measured phasic change of the AVA(cm2), diameter of sinotubular junction (d-STJ,mm), sinus of Valsalva(d-SV,mm) and basal ring(d-BR,mm). Results: 364 CT volumes from 41 patients and 23, 3-D TEE volumes from 15 patients with normal to mild AR were acquired. 3-D TEE data about AV and root showed strong correlation with CT data(table). Figure showed representative examples of 3-D Echo and CT modeling. Conclusion: This novel automated 3-D Echo approach provides accurate dimensions of the AV and the aortic root and may aid in valve and root repair procedures.     «

Background: Accurate anatomical and functional assessment of AV and aortic root is crucial to understand the pathophysiology of abnormalities and management decision-making in patient with aortic valve diease and aortic aneurysm.The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of novel semi-automatic assessment of AV and aortic root from volumetric 3-D Echo compared to CT. Methods: Volume-rendered 3-D TEE data were obtained using V5M transducer(Sequoia, Siemens). 6 points (commisures a...     »