Welcome to 3Dechocardiography

This website aims to develop an international portal for learning the complex and dynamic morphology of the congenitally malformed heart, through discussion and interaction. The main focus of this site will be advanced cardiac imaging using cardiac ultrasound for the assessment of both cardiac function and morphology.

Real Time 3 dimensional echocardiography: (RT3DE, sometimes also referred to as 4D: when the dimension of time is taken into consideration) is a unique method of visualizing the true and dynamic morphology of the heart. This technique is not just a way of displaying moving images of the heart in 3D. RT3DE incorporates a core of biometric data set frozen in time, like the iris photography or finger prints. This enables the cardiologist to bring the frozen heart to life and to dissect it, time and time again. One can compare pre and postoperative anatomy and learn from one's mistakes. It is also possible to share the data electronically between professionals simultaneously. The fourth dimension is added when the images incorporate moving cardiac structures over one or more cardiac cycles.

MPR: The most important aspect of 3dimensional echocardiography is the potential to slice the dynamic cardiac structures in infinite planes through the three dimensions. This method of analysing the anatomy is termed Multiplanar Reformating or Multiplane Review (MPR). We improvised this technique to move simultaneously, in anatomically appropriate planes throughout the cardiac cycle. This technique is most useful in assessing complex congenital heart defects or analysing structures when the resolution of the images are poor and a visually useful image cannot be reconstructed from standard 3D imaging. It marks a transitional phase between 2D and 3D imging. For more details on MPR please flow specific discussion on this topic.

Please take some time to explore the website. Individual heart defects are discussed under heart defects (see side bar) Please feel free to contact if you have any comments, questions or would like to upload any of your images for discussion.

 

Image of the Month

PFO tunnel in a 65 year old man presenting with cyanosis (sats 70-80%) after a fall. Treated initially with 10L/min mask oxygn and subsequently requiring ventillation and tracheostomy. Past history of pulmonary valvotomy in 1959. Echocardiogram showed residulal RVOT obstruction and predominantly right to lefting PFO. Transcarheter balloon valvuloplasty with closure of Atrial communication restored normal saturations without the need for ventillatory support.