3D transoesophageal echocardiography overcomes limitations of 2D modalities in infective endocarditis by optimizing lesion detection, precise measurements, and surgical planning.
Does 3D transoesophageal echocardiography improve the diagnosis and surgical planning of infective endocarditis compared to 2D echocardiography?
3D transoesophageal echocardiography provides superior visualization of vegetations and anatomical relationships in infective endocarditis, aiding in diagnosis and surgical planning.
Infective endocarditis (IE) is a condition that predominantly affects native or prosthetic heart valves, which is currently on the rise due to the increase in invasive cardiology procedures, such as the utilization of cardiac implantable electronic devices and transcatheter interventions. The recommended imaging tests for diagnosis are 2D transthoracic echocardiography (2D TTE) and 2D transoesophageal echocardiography (2D TOE). However, these modalities present limitations in detecting vegetations and estimating their dimensions. These disadvantages can be overcome by 3D transoesophageal echocardiography (3D TOE), particularly with the multiplanar reconstruction tool, which allows for the visualization of infinite valve planes, thus optimizing the detection of lesions and precise measurements. Furthermore, the volume rendering provides insight into the anatomical relationships between lesions, which is particularly useful for surgical planning. In this review, we aim to discuss the role of this recent imaging modality in the diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic of IE. Finally, we present a collection of images that illustrate the use of 3D TOE tools.
Baltodano‐Arellano et al. (Mon,) conducted a review in Infective endocarditis. 3D transoesophageal echocardiography (3D TOE) vs. 2D transthoracic and 2D transoesophageal echocardiography was evaluated. 3D transoesophageal echocardiography overcomes limitations of 2D modalities in infective endocarditis by optimizing lesion detection, precise measurements, and surgical planning.