Relation between the number of image planes and the accuracy of three-dimensional echocardiography for measuring left ventricular volumes and ejection fraction

The relation between accuracy of 3-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) in de termining left ventricular end-diastolic volume, end-systolic volume, and e jection fraction (compared with magnetic resonance imaging) and the number of component planes used for 3DE ventricular reconstruction was evaluated i n 41 adult subjects with normal (n = 24) and abnormal (n = 17) left ventric les. Accuracy and confidence of 3DE gradually increased with use of additio nal component planes, so that greater than or equal to 10 planes from both parasternal and apical windows provided 3DE reconstructions that accurately predict magnetic resonance imaging-measured left ventricular volumes and e jection fraction with confidence.