Three dimensional reconstruction of the left ventricle from four anatomically defined apical two-dimensional echocardiographic views.

A method is described for three dimensional reconstruction of the left ventricle which uses four anatomically defined apical views. It is shown that the algorithms developed for reconstruction and volume estimation provide accurate results when applied to planar views with accurately defined boundaries. The linear regression equation was y = -6.32 + 1.04x, with SEE = +/- 3.4 ml, r = 0.999. For both "in vitro" and "in vivo" studies this method is found to be better than various geometrical models used to estimate volumes from two dimensional tomographic or projection views. The linear regression equation of in vitro fluid volume on volume estimate is y = 8.44 + 0.68x, with SEE = +/- 4.9 ml, r = 0.988. For pooled end diastolic and end systolic volumes (EDV and ESV) determined by three dimensional reconstruction (3-DR) and angiography the linear regression equation is y = 54.50 + 0.50x, with SEE = +/- 33.5 ml, r = 0.670. For stroke volume (SV), the regression equation is y = 21.10 + 0.40x, with SEE = +/- 12.8 ml, r = 0.750, and for ejection fraction (EF) it is y = 1.10 + 0.70x, with SEE = +/- 7.8%, r = 0.840. In patients with ischemic heart disease, the method presented is shown to be better than existing methods of volume estimation. Three dimensional perspective images can be plotted in any orientation as a visual aid to the cardiologist. In vivo studies demonstrate the feasibility of 3-DR, from anatomically defined apical views, in the clinical setting.