QUANTIFICATION OF LEFT ATRIAL VOLUMES USING A NOVEL FULLY AUTOMATED 3D ECHO SOFTWARE PROGRAM

摘要

BACKGROUND: Left atrial volume index (LAVi) is an echocardiographic parameter that has important prognostic and functional significance in cardiac disease. Three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) is known to be more accurate than 2-dimensional echocardiography (2DE) at determining left atrial volumes. A fully automated software program has recently become available that quantifies the LAVi without the need for manual corrections. This software has the potential to decrease reporting times and increase laboratory efficiency.