Quantification of regional left ventricular function by real-time 3D echocardiography: Validation by magnetic resonance imaging and clinical utility

Quantitative information on regional left ventricular (LV) function from real-time 3D echocardiographic (RT3DE) images has significant clinical potential, but needs validation. Our goals were to validate these measurements against cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and test the feasibility of automated detection of regional wall motion (RWM) abnormalities from RT3DE data. RT3DE and CMR images were obtained in 31 pts and analyzed using prototype software to calculate regional volumes and ejection fractions. Indices were compared between RT3DE and CMR. Additionally, CMR images were reviewed by an expert, whose RWM grades were used as a reference for the automated detection of RWM abnormalities. RT3DE measurements resulted in good agreement with CMR. Automated detection showed high levels of agreement with expert reading, similar for CMR and RT3DE. Analysis of RT3DE data provides accurate quantification of regional function and allows automated detection of RWM abnormalities.