Ultrasound technology has improved markedly in
the past 10 to 15 years, prompting echocardiographers
to extend its use in studying cardiac
structure and function. New ultrasound equipment
and techniques offer superior image quality, greater
accuracy, and expanding capabilities. As a result,
more and improved imaging modalities are available
for evaluating cardiac anatomy, ventricular function,
blood flow velocity, and valvular diseases. Threedimensional
(3D) echocardiography offers the ability
to improve and expand the diagnostic capabilities
of cardiac ultrasound. However, as with any
emerging technology, the enthusiasm to embrace a
new technique must be tempered by a critical
appraisal of the evidence supporting its use. It is
essential to assess the limitations as well as the
unique capabilities it provides. Cardiac imaging
should be safe, accurate, versatile, comprehensive,
and cost-effective, while providing important clinical
information. Criteria for appropriate utilization
should be based on current evidence and updated as
new information becomes available.
To justify the use of a new 3D modality, its unique
contribution to clinical practice must be critically
analyzed. In this article we review the status of 3D
echocardiography, examine the evidence for its use
in various clinical situations, and propose guidelines
for appropriate application of this technique based
on available evidence.
No comments:
Post a Comment