Key result
Automated 3DE-RV software strongly correlates with cardiac MR for pediatric RV volumes and ejection fraction.
Why the study?
Fully automated 3DE RV quantification software accurately assesses adult RV function, but data on its accuracy in children are scarce.
Does fully automated three-dimensional echocardiography right ventricular quantification software accurately measure right ventricular volumes and ejection fraction compared to cardiac magnetic resonance in children?
Observational (n=82)
Single-blind
No
Does fully automated three-dimensional echocardiography right ventricular quantification software accurately measure right ventricular volumes and ejection fraction compared to cardiac magnetic resonance in children?
Effect estimate: r=0.93
Absolute Event Rate: 71.4% vs 85.1%
p-value: p=<0.001
Fully automated 3DE-RV quantification software is feasible and provides accurate RV volume and EF measurements in children, particularly those with normal RV size and function, offering a rapid alternative to cardiac MR.
May support rapid pediatric RV assessment; leaves open prospective validation versus CMR before adoption.
BACKGROUND: Previous studies have confirmed that fully automated three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) right ventricular (RV) quantification software can accurately assess adult RV function. However, data on its accuracy in children are scarce. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to test the accuracy of the software in children using cardiac magnetic resonance (MR) as the gold standard. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study prospectively enrolled 82 children who underwent both echocardiography and cardiac MR within 24 h. The RV end-diastolic volume (EDV), end-systolic volume (ESV), and ejection fraction (EF) were obtained using the novel 3DE-RV quantification software and compared with cardiac MR values across different groups. RESULTS: The novel 3DE-RV quantification software was feasible in all 82 children (100%). Fully automated analysis was achieved in 35% patients with an analysis time of 8 ± 2 s and 100% reproducibility. Manual editing was necessary in the remaining 65% patients. The 3DE-derived RV volumes and EF correlated well with cardiac MR measurements (RVEDV, r=0.93; RVESV, r=0.90; RVEF, r=0.82; all P <0.001). Although the automated approach slightly underestimated RV volumes and overestimated RVEF compared with cardiac MR in the entire cohort, the bias was smaller in children with RVEF ≥ 45%, normal RV size, and good 3DE image quality. CONCLUSION: Fully automated 3DE-RV quantification software provided accurate and completely reproducible results in 35% children without any adjustment. The RV volumes and EF measured using the automated 3DE method correlated well with those from cardiac MR, especially in children with RVEF ≥ 45%, normal RV size, and good 3DE image quality. Therefore, the novel automated 3DE method may achieve rapid and accurate assessment of RV function in children with normal heart anatomy.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Liu et al. (2025) conducted an observational in Pediatric patients requiring right ventricular function assessment (n=82). Fully automated 3DE-RV quantification software vs. Cardiac magnetic resonance (MR) was evaluated on Right ventricular end-diastolic volume (RVEDV) in ml (r=0.93, p=<0.001). Fully automated 3DE-RV quantification software provided accurate measurements of right ventricular volumes and ejection fraction that correlated well with cardiac MR (r=0.82-0.93) in children.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: