Real time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography provides valuable en face views that can identify structural abnormalities like mitral leaflet perforations missed by conventional 2D imaging.
May aid detection of occult mitral perforations intraoperatively; extends case-level evidence but leaves open need for prospective validation.
With its unique en face view, real time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography has been reported to be more precise than conventional two-dimensional studies in evaluating mitral regurgitation etiology, and can locate diseased segments correctly. We present a case with severe mitral regurgitation due to anterior mitral leaflet perforation. Intraoperative real time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography demonstrated its value in diagnosis and surgical planning for this perforation, which had not been identified preoperatively. This technique should be applied more widely for dedicated mitral valve assessment in clinical practice.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Cheng et al. (2012) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: