Comprehensive evaluation of cardiac function and detection of myocardial infarction based on a semi-automated analysis using full-volume real time three-dimensional echocardiography.

Objective: Quantitative left ventricular mass (LVM) as well as regional strain values may be obtained from full-volume real time 3D echocardiography data via semi-automated feature tracking and represent indices of heart function, both in health and disease.

Methods: Fresh adult porcine and ovine hearts were passively pumped to simulate normal cardiac motion at stroke volumes (SVs) varying from 30 to 70 mL. A 3V-D Matrix probe, interfaced with a GE Vivid E9 ultrasound system, was used to image each heart at baseline conditions and after simulated myocardial infarction (MI).

Regional strain determination and myocardial infarction detection by three-dimensional echocardiography with varied temporal resolution.

Background: Three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) is a promising method for strain determination; however, there are temporal resolution concerns. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of 3DE on longitudinal and circumferential strain (LS, CS) determination and infarction detection under variable frame rates (FR) and "heart rates" (stroke rates [SR]) conditions.

Methods: Latex balloons were sewn into the left ventricle (LV) of 20 freshly harvested pig hearts which were then passively driven by a pulsatile pump apparatus at stroke volumes (SV) 30-70 mL.

Evaluation of stroke volume and ventricular mass in a fetal heart model: a novel four-dimensional echocardiographic analysis.

Aims: This study aimed to assess the feasibility and accuracy of nongated four-dimensional echocardiography (4DE) for determining left ventricular (LV) stroke volume (SV) and mass in a fetal heart-sized LV model.

Methods: A balloon was inserted into the LV of 20 fresh rabbit hearts and attached to a calibrated pulsatile pump. Ten hearts retaining the right ventricle were imaged in Group A.

Causes and imaging patterns of tree-in-bud opacities.

Background: Multiple causes for tree-in-bud (TIB) opacities have been reported. However, to our knowledge the relative frequencies of the causes have not been evaluated. The purpose of this study was to determine the relative frequency of causes of TIB opacities and identify patterns of disease associated with TIB opacities.