Novel echocardiographic techniques to assess left atrial size, anatomy and function

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) and speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) have recently applied as imaging techniques to accurately evaluate left atrial (LA) size, anatomy and function. 3DE and off-line quantification softwares, have allowed, in compar...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Cameli Matteo, Lisi Matteo, Righini Francesca Maria, Mondillo Sergio
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2012-02-01
Series:Cardiovascular Ultrasound
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.cardiovascularultrasound.com/content/10/1/4
Description
Summary:<p>Abstract</p> <p>Three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) and speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) have recently applied as imaging techniques to accurately evaluate left atrial (LA) size, anatomy and function. 3DE and off-line quantification softwares, have allowed, in comparison to magnetic resonance imaging, the most time-efficient and accurate method of LA volume quantification. STE provides a non-Doppler, angle-independent and objective quantification of LA myocardial deformation. Data regarding feasibility, accuracy and clinical applications of LA analysis by 3DE and STE are rapidly gathering. This review describes the fundamental concepts of LA 3DE and STE, illustrates how to obtain respective measurements and discuss their recognized and emerging clinical applications.</p>
ISSN:1476-7120