• Christian Neukamm, Kirsti Try, Gunnar Norgård, and Henrik Brun.
• Congenit Heart Dis. 2014 Jul 1;9(4):333-42.

ObjectivesA technique that uses two-dimensional images to create a knowledge-based, three-dimensional model was tested and compared to magnetic resonance imaging.BackgroundMeasurement of right ventricular volumes and function is important in the follow-up of patients after pulmonary valve replacement. Magnetic resonance imaging is the gold standard for volumetric assessment. Echocardiographic methods have been validated and are attractive alternatives.MethodsThirty patients with tetralogy of Fallot (25 ± 14 years) after pulmonary valve replacement were examined. Magnetic resonance imaging volumetric measurements and echocardiography-based three-dimensional reconstruction were performed. End-diastolic volume, end-systolic volume, and ejection fraction were measured, and the results were compared.ResultsMagnetic resonance imaging measurements gave coefficient of variation in the intraobserver study of 3.5, 4.6, and 5.3 and in the interobserver study of 3.6, 5.9, and 6.7 for end-diastolic volume, end-systolic volume, and ejection fraction, respectively. Echocardiographic three-dimensional reconstruction was highly feasible (97%). In the intraobserver study, the corresponding values were 6.0, 7.0, and 8.9 and in the interobserver study 7.4, 10.8, and 13.4. In comparison of the methods, correlations with magnetic resonance imaging were r = 0.91, 0.91, and 0.38, and the corresponding coefficient of variations were 9.4, 10.8, and 14.7. Echocardiography derived volumes (mL/m(2)) were significantly higher than magnetic resonance imaging volumes in end-diastolic volume 13.7 ± 25.6 and in end-systolic volume 9.1 ± 17.0 (both P < .05).ConclusionsThe knowledge-based three-dimensional right ventricular volume method was highly feasible. Intra and interobserver variabilities were satisfactory. Agreement with magnetic resonance imaging measurements for volumes was reasonable but unsatisfactory for ejection fraction. Knowledge-based reconstruction may replace magnetic resonance imaging measurements for serial follow-up, whereas magnetic resonance imaging should be used for surgical decision making.

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