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Three-dimensional echocardiography in a dynamic heart phantom: comparison of five different methods to measure chamber volume using a commercially available software

Echo Research & Practice volume 1, pages 51–60 (2014)Cite this article

Abstract

Several methods of analysis are available for quantification of left ventricular volumes and ejection fraction using three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography. This study compared the accuracy and reproducibility of five methods of analysis in a novel, irregularly shaped dynamic heart phantom with excellent image quality. Five 3D datasets were acquired on a Philips IE33 platform using an X5-1 3D transducer. Each dataset was analysed by five different methods using the Philips QLab v8.1 software: Methods A1, A2 and A3, semi-automated contour detection with varying degrees of user correction; Method B, Simpson’s biplane method using optimally aligned four- and two-chamber views and Method C, method of discs, manually delineated in reconstructed short-axis views. Time–volume curves were generated for each method and compared with the true volumes measured throughout systole in the phantom heart. A second observer repeated measurements by each method in a single 3D dataset. Method A1 (uncorrected semi-automated contouring) produced the most consistent time–volume curves, although end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes varied between datasets. Any manual correction of contours (Methods A2, A3 and B) resulted in significant variation in the time–volume curves, with less consistent endocardial tracking. Method C was not only the most accurate and reproducible method, but also the most time-consuming one. Different methods of 3D volume quantification vary significantly in accuracy and reproducibility using an irregular phantom heart model. Although contouring may appear optimal in long-axis views, this may not be replicated circumferentially, and the resulting measures appeared to be less robust following the manual correction of semi-automated contours.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. ABACUS, Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute, University of Alberta Hospital, 0A8.32, 8440–112 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2B7

    Peter W. Wood BAppSc MSc, Patrick H. Gibson BMBCh MD & Harald Becher MD PhD FRCP

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  1. Peter W. Wood BAppSc MSc
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  2. Patrick H. Gibson BMBCh MD
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  3. Harald Becher MD PhD FRCP
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Correspondence to Peter W. Wood BAppSc MSc.

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Wood, P.W., Gibson, P.H. & Becher, H. Three-dimensional echocardiography in a dynamic heart phantom: comparison of five different methods to measure chamber volume using a commercially available software. Echo Res Pract 1, 51–60 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1530/ERP-14-0051

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1530/ERP-14-0051

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Echo Research & Practice

ISSN: 2055-0464

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