Real time three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography in congenital heart disease.

Diagnosing congenital heart disease (CHD) depends heavily on imaging. Traditionally, two-dimensional (2D) echocardiography has been the most widely used but since this imaging modality utilizes a 2D technique to evaluate three-dimensional (3D) structures it suffers from inherent limitations. The more recently developed 3D echocardiography is poised to be superior in providing comprehensive evaluation prior to intervention on such complex conditions. In this review, we summarize the applications of 3D echocardiography in evaluating patients with CHD.