What is three-dimensional echocardiogram?

A three-dimensional echocardiogram, or 3D echocardiogram, is a test that uses ultrasound waves to obtain three-dimensional images. This allows for a clearer and more precise visualization of different characteristics of the heart’s anatomy, including its shape, strength, size, and movement.

What Is a Three-Dimensional Echocardiogram?

A three-dimensional echocardiogram is an advanced cardiac imaging technique that allows for the heart to be visualized in three dimensions and in real-time. Unlike a traditional two-dimensional echocardiogram, this technique offers a volumetric representation of the heart, which facilitates a more precise evaluation of its anatomy and function.

Although both this study and the conventional echo use ultrasound, in the three-dimensional one, with the support of special software and transducers, the images are reconstructed in 3D. This is especially useful for studying the valves, chambers, and internal structures in greater detail.

A three-dimensional echocardiogram has become a fundamental tool in cardiology, especially for the planning of heart surgeries, the monitoring of valve diseases, and for the evaluation of implantable devices like pacemakers or prostheses.

Thanks to its ability to show the heart from different angles and in motion, clinical decisions can be made, reducing the need for invasive studies.

How Is a Three-Dimensional Echocardiogram Performed?

Performing a three-dimensional echocardiogram begins in a similar way to a conventional echocardiogram. The patient lies down on a stretcher, and a conductive gel is applied to their chest to facilitate the transmission of ultrasound waves.

Subsequently, the specialist places a transducer on the chest, which emits and receives the necessary signals to form images of the heart. In the case of a 3D echocardiogram, more advanced transducers are used, as well as specialized software to capture multiple planes simultaneously. This is what allows for the reconstruction of a three-dimensional image in real-time.

In some cases, especially when a more detailed visualization is required, the study can be performed via the transesophageal route, which involves inserting a small probe through the esophagus, offering a closer and clearer view of the heart’s internal structures.

The entire procedure usually lasts from 30 to 60 minutes and generally does not require any special preparation, except in the case of the transesophageal study.

It is a safe, well-tolerated, and very valuable study for obtaining highly accurate anatomical and functional information.

After the Three-Dimensional Echocardiogram Study

Depending on each case, the analysis can be done in real-time during the study or afterward to review the images from different angles or to make specific measurements.

The result of the study is delivered shortly, accompanied by a detailed report that the treating physician will use to confirm a diagnosis or adjust the treatment plan.

With this information, various steps can be taken. If the study shows that the heart is functioning normally, no additional treatment may be necessary.

But in case of detecting abnormalities such as a damaged valve, a structural defect, or heart failure, the doctor may order more studies, start a medical treatment, or evaluate a surgical intervention.

This type of study is usually requested in situations where a detailed visualization of the heart is required, such as in the evaluation of valve diseases, monitoring of congenital heart diseases, planning of heart surgery, or placement of intracardiac devices.

It is also very useful for assessing the function of the left ventricle after a heart attack or in patients with heart failure.

In general, this study is reserved for cases where the two-dimensional echocardiogram does not offer enough information or when a more complete image is needed for a medical decision to be made.

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Fuentes: 

• Scielo
• Mayo Clinic
• Elsevier