Real-time three-dimensional echocardiographic evaluation of global and regional left ventricular function

Quantification of left ventricular (LV) function from the analysis of real-time 3D echocardiographic (RT3DE) data does not fully exploit the dynamic volumetric information contained in these data. Accordingly, we developed a volumetric analysis technique aimed at quantification of global and regional LV function. RT3DE images were analyzed using custom software to extract global and partial volumes and regional wall motion (RWM) throughout the cardiac cycle. RT3DE were compared point-by-point with magnetic resonance (MR) data (linear regression and Bland-Altman analysis) and the feasibility of automated detection of RWM abnormalities was tested by comparison with expert reading of 2D echocardiographic images. LV volumes correlated highly with MR with minimal bias and narrow limits of agreement. RWM correlated highly in basal and mid segments. The automated detection of RWM agreed with expert interpretation in 86% of LV segments. Volumetric analysis of RT3DE data is clinically feasible and allows fast and accurate assessment of cardiac function and automated detection of RWM abnormalities