Three-dimensional ultrasound in cardiological diagnostics.

BACKGROUND Diagnostic ultrasonography plays an important part in cardiology. New technological advances such as three-dimensional representation of the heart now make an important supplement to today's standard echocardiography. MATERIAL AND METHOD An overview based on PubMed literature studies and the authors' own experience is provided of the opportunities three-dimensional echocardiography offers for present and future diagnosis of heart disease. RESULTS Three-dimensional echocardiography is an important supplement to today's standard echocardiography. The best documentation is available for calculating left ventricular volume and ejection fraction and for diagnosing mitral valve disease. Theoretically, the method can also be used to advantage to assist in catheter-directed interventions and in the diagnosis of cardiomyopathies and complex congenital heart defects. INTERPRETATION With improved technology and hence improved imaging, three-dimensional echocardiography will be an even more important supplement to today's standard echocardiography. More accurate preoperative diagnostics in connection with heart valve defects are particularly important for directing the choice of surgical procedure.