Assessment of left ventricular size and function by 3-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography: Impact of the echocardiography platform and analysis software.

BACKGROUND: Whether echocardiography platform and analysis software impact left ventricular (LV) volumes, ejection fraction (EF), and stroke volume (SV) by transthoracic tridimensional echocardiography (3DE) has not yet been assessed. Hence, our aim was to compare 3DE LV end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes (EDV and ESV), LVEF, and SV obtained with echocardiography platform from 2 different manufacturers. METHODS: 3DE was performed in 84 patients (65% of screened consecutive patients), with equipment from 2 different manufacturers, with subsequent off-line postprocessing to obtain parameters of LV function and size (Philips QLAB 3DQ and General Electric EchoPAC 4D autoLVQ). Twenty-five patients with clinical indication for cardiac magnetic resonance imaging served as a validation subgroup. RESULTS: LVEDV and LVESV from 2 vendors were highly correlated (r = 0.93), but compared with 4D autoLVQ, the use of Qlab 3DQ resulted in lower LVEDV and LVESV (bias: 11 mL, limits of agreement: -25 to +47 and bias: 6 mL, limits of agreement: -22 to +34, respectively). The agreement between LVEF values of each software was poor (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.62) despite no or minimal bias. SVs were also lower with Qlab 3DQ advanced compared with 4D autoLVQ, and both were poorly correlated (r = 0.66). Consistently, the underestimation of LVEDV, LVESV, and SV by 3DE compared with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was more pronounced with Philips QLAB 3DQ advanced than with 4D autoLVQ. CONCLUSIONS: The echocardiography platform and analysis software significantly affect the values of LV parameters obtained by 3DE. Intervendor standardization and improvements in 3DE modalities are needed to broaden the use of LV parameters obtained by 3DE in clinical practice.

Mitral valve navigator. A new diagnostic tool for effective regurgitant orifice quantification in mitral regurgitation.

INTRODUCTION: Mitral regurgitation severity assessment is usually carried out using qualitative, semiquantitative, and quantitative parameters. The mitral valve navigation (MVN) tool allows to measure the mitral effective regurgitant orifice (MERO) from 3D echo datasets. Our aim was to validate the MVN as a new tool to quantify MERO. A secondary aim was to assess the intra- and interobserver variability. METHODS: This is a retrospective study in which consecutive subjects undergoing a transoesophageal echocardiogram for more than mild mitral regurgitation evaluation were included. MERO measurement obtained by means of 3D color Doppler was used as the gold standard method for comparison. In every patient, MERO was also obtained using the MVN tool. RESULTS: Fifty-nine consecutive patients were analyzed (47.5% female; mean age 50.8 years). Mitral regurgitation was moderate in 23 (39%) and severe in 36 (61%) patients. Forty patients (67.8%) had a primary and 19 (32.2%) a secondary mitral regurgitation. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) between 3D color Doppler and MVN was excellent (ICC: 0.95; 95% CI: 0.82 to 0.98; P < 0.001) in the total group and for patients with primary and secondary mitral regurgitation. Intra- and interobserver agreements were also good. CONCLUSIONS: Mitral valve navigator shows an excellent accuracy for measuring MERO when the transoesophageal 3D color Doppler is used as the reference method, either primary or secondary mitral regurgitation. Intraobserver reproducibility and interobserver reproducibility are also excellent. These findings make this software a good alternative method to measure mitral regurgitation severity.

Prolonged transesophageal echocardiography during percutaneous closure of the left atrial appendage without general anesthesia: the utility of the Janus mask.

PURPOSE: Left atrial appendage (LAA) closure is an interventional procedure increasingly used to prevent stroke in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation and contraindications to anticoagulation therapy. As this procedure requires a relatively immobile patient and performance of continuous and prolonged transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), it is usually performed under general anesthesia. In this case series, we describe the feasibility of prolonged TEE for percutaneous LAA closure using a new noninvasive ventilation device that can avoid the need for endotracheal intubation and general anesthesia. CLINICAL FEATURES: Percutaneous LAA closure was performed under deep sedation in three elderly patients with permanent atrial fibrillation. Sedation was obtained with a combination of midazolam, propofol, and remifentanil. Continuous intraoperative TEE was performed through the port of the newly available Janus mask (Biomedical Srl; Florence, Italy), allowing for noninvasive ventilation (pressure support = 12-16 cm H2O; positive end-expiratory pressure = 7 cm H2O; FIO2 = 0.3) in these spontaneously breathing patients. The total procedure times ranged from 75-90 min. The patients reported excellent satisfaction with the sedation received in terms of discomfort experienced during the procedure, capacity to recall the procedure, and comfort with the mask. The operators also rated the procedural conditions as excellent. CONCLUSION: Deep sedation with noninvasive ventilation may be a reasonable and safe alternative to general endotracheal anesthesia in patients requiring prolonged TEE for noninvasive cardiac procedures, including LAA closure.

Application of three-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography to assess left ventricular regional work using wall tension-regional area loop.

Three-dimensional (3-D) speckle tracking echocardiography allows us to track a change in regional endocardial surface area. The change of regional area during a cardiac cycle should be useful for assessing left ventricular regional work. We investigated the feasibility of assessing regional work, calculated as the area within the wall tension-regional area (T-A) loop using 3-D echocardiography. Three-dimensional full-volume images were acquired using 3-D echocardiography (Artida, Toshiba) at baseline and during brief occlusion of the left circumflex coronary artery in eight dogs. Wall tension was calculated according to Laplace's law for a spherical model. Area change ratio (in %) determined by area tracking was transformed into a change of regional area (in cm(2)) by a custom software. We calculated the area within the T-A loop (TAA) in the area under transient ischemia (risk area) and the remote area as regional work and validated the T-A loop method by comparing the global integral of TAA with the total work assessed by the pressure-volume loop. During coronary occlusion, regional work for the risk area significantly decreased (baseline vs. occlusion, 26.8 ± 10.7 vs. 18.4 ± 7.8 mmHg·cm(3); P < 0.05), whereas that for the remote area did not change. The global integral of TAA closely correlated with the total work assessed by the pressure-volume loop (r = 0.91, P < 0.0001). The wall T-A loop reflected regional dysfunction caused by myocardial ischemia. This analysis using 3-D speckle tracking echocardiography might be useful to quantify left ventricular regional work.

Mitral valve analysis adding a virtual semi-transparent annulus plane for detection of prolapsing segments.

BACKGROUND: We hypothesized that a novel three-dimensional virtual semi-transparent annulus plane (3D VSAP) presented on a holographic screen can be used to visualize the prolapsing tissue in degenerative mitral valve disease and furthermore, provide us with geometrical data of the mitral valve apparatus. Phantom and patient studies were designed to demonstrate the feasibility of creating a semi-automatic, semi-transparent mitral annulus plane visualized on a holographic display. METHODS: Ten pipe cleaners mimicking the mitral annulus with different shapes and three types of annuloplasty rings served as phantoms. We obtained 3D transoesophageal examination of the phantoms in a special designed box filled with water. Recordings were converted to the holographic display and a 3D VSAP was created. The ratio of the major and minor axes as well as the non-planar angles were calculated and compared with direct measures of the phantoms. Forty patients with degenerative mitral valve disease were then analyzed with 3D transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and a 3D VSAP was created on the holographic display. A total of 240 segments were analyzed by two independent observers, one echo expert (observer I), and the other novice with limited echo experience (observer II). The two observers created the 3D VSAP in each patient before suggesting the valve pathology. RESULTS: The major/minor axes ratio and non-planar angles by 3D VSAP correlated with direct measurements by r = 0.65, p < 0.02 and r = 0.99, p < 0.0001, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the 3D VSAP method in patients was 81 and 97%, respectively (observer I) and for observer II 77 and 96%, respectively. The accuracy and precisions were 93.9 and 89.4%, respectively (observer I), 92.3 and 85.1% (observer II). Mitral valve analysis adding a 3D VSAP was feasible with high accuracy and precision, providing a quick and less subjective method for diagnosing mitral valve prolapse. This novel method may improve preoperative diagnostics and may relieve a better understanding of the pathophysiology of mitral valve disease. Thus, based on the specific findings in each patient, a tailored surgical repair can be planned and hopefully enhance long-term repair patency in the future.

Evaluation of right ventricular function using single-beat three-dimensional echocardiography in neonate.

Aim of our study was to evaluate right ventricular (RV) systolic function in neonate using newly developed single-beat three-dimensional echocardiography (sb3DE). We enrolled 15 healthy or premature neonates (0-53 days after birth). We scanned one beat full volume using Siemens ACUSON SC2000 (Siemens AG) echocardiography with 4Z1c full-volume transducer without ECG gating. RV end-diastolic volume (RVEDV) and RV end-systolic volume (RVESV) were computed with special software dedicated to analysis for RV volume. RV ejection fraction (RVEF) and RV stroke volume (3D-RVSV) were calculated. And RV stroke volume was also determined from the recordings of ejection blood flow velocity and diameter at the level of the pulmonary orifice in RV outflow tract (Doppler-RVSV). Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) was also measured by 2D echocardiography. RVEDV ranged from 5.1 to 10.7 ml (average 7.5 ml), RVESV ranged from 2.3 to 5.8 ml (average 3.9 ml). There was a good correlation between 3D-RVSV and Doppler-RVSV (r = 0.77). Bland-Altman plot revealed that 3D-RVSV became underestimation of an average of 1.78 ml compared to Doppler-RVSV. And TAPSE positively correlated with 3D-RVEF (r = 0.58, P = 0.038). Newly developed sb3DE enables us to perform three-dimensional acquisition of RV volume without ECG gating even in neonate. However, 3D-RVSV currently tends to be underestimated in neonatal measurement.

Three-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography.

Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) was popularized in the first decade of this century. Analysis of cardiac mechanics has been the focus of ultrasonics, and the breakthrough came with STE. Beyond analysis solely of left ventricular ejection fraction, STE allows the assessment of various pathophysiologies, including myocardial layer-specific myocardial function, twist and rotation, and dyssynchrony. Recent developments in the technology have resulted in commercially available 3-dimensional (D)-STE systems. Through experimental studies and clinical investigations, the reliability and feasibility of 3D-STE-derived data have been validated, and the advantages of 3D-STE over 2D-STE have been revealed. In addition, because of the 3D nature of the technology, 3D-STE provides novel deformation parameters (ie, 3D-strain and area change ratio) that have the potential for more accurate assessment of overall and regional myocardial function. Recently, various preliminary studies using 3D-STE have reported on myocardial characteristics, novel mechanics in the left ventricle, prediction of therapeutic effects, observations of cardiac function through interventions, and challenges for left atrial and right ventricular functions. In this review, we focus on the features of the methodology, validation, and clinical application of 3D-ST.

Matrix array transducer for the examination of fetal heart.

The X6-1 xmatrix array transducer allows a completely new approach to the diagnostic ultrasound: it permits visualization of fetal heart in real time, without the need for gating, and it is unaffected by motion artefacts. It is obtained in real time, without any spatial reconstruction. The authors compared this technology with the traditional one in two case reports: a diagnostic doubt of small muscular ventricular septal defect was solved using this new technique; a diagnosis of complete atrioventricular septal defect was confirmed. Three-dimensional real-time imaging would seem very precise in the study of fetal heart: the defects were fully visualized from any angulations. This new technology is promising but from the authors' limited experience, there is no evidence to use it in routine practice. It should be very useful to commence a prospective study on fetuses at risk while testing the superiority of this technique.

[Application fields of intraoperative transesophageal 3D echocardiography]. / Anwendungsgebiete der intraoperativen transösophagealen 3D-Echokardiographie.

Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is an established diagnostic tool and has to be regarded as the standard of care for intraoperative monitoring and cardiac surgical decision-making. Furthermore, intraoperative TEE is also used for monitoring and assessment of hemodynamic changes and the detection of previously unknown pathologies. In the past few years 3D-TEE has extended the spectrum of 2D-TEE by allowing pathomorphological features to be more easily and intuitively linked to the anatomy of the heart and the great vessels. Thus, a comprehensive 2D-TEE examination is favorably complemented by focused 3D-TEE. Especially during mitral valve surgery, 3D-TEE has proven its superiority in the diagnosis of the underlying pathology as demonstrated by a large number of studies in this field. This review presents the available data about the role of intraoperative 3D-TEE echocardiography and introduces practical fields of application.

Three-dimensional echocardiographic analysis of mitral annular dynamics: implication for annuloplasty selection.

BACKGROUND: Proponents of flexible annuloplasty rings have hypothesized that such devices maintain annular dynamics. This hypothesis is based on the supposition that annular motion is relatively normal in patients undergoing mitral valve repair. We hypothesized that mitral annular dynamics are impaired in ischemic mitral regurgitation and myxomatous mitral regurgitation. METHODS AND RESULTS: A Philips iE33 echocardiographic module and X7-2t probe were used to acquire full-volume real-time 3-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography loops in 11 normal subjects, 11 patients with ischemic mitral regurgitation and 11 patients with myxomatous mitral regurgitation. Image analysis was performed using Tomtec Image Arena, 4D-MV Assessment, 2.1 (Munich, Germany). A midsystolic frame was selected for the initiation of annular tracking using the semiautomated program. Continuous parameters were normalized in time to provide for uniform systolic and diastolic periods. Both ischemic mitral regurgitation (9.98 ± 155 cm(2)) and myxomatous mitral regurgitation annuli (13.29 ± 3.05 cm(2)) were larger in area than normal annuli (7.95 ± 1.40 cm(2)) at midsystole. In general, ischemic mitral regurgitation annuli were less dynamic than controls. In myxomatous mitral regurgitation, annular dynamics were also markedly abnormal with the mitral annulus dilating rapidly in early systole in response to rising ventricular pressure. CONCLUSIONS: In both ischemic mitral regurgitation and myxomatous mitral regurgitation, annular dynamics and anatomy are abnormal. Flexible annuloplasty devices used in mitral valve repair are, therefore, unlikely to result in either normal annular dynamics or normal anatomy.

Three-dimensional echocardiography and en face views of the aortic valve: technical communication.

With the resurgence in popularity of aortic valve (AV) repair, detailed anatomical information of the AV has become invaluable for surgical decision making as well as for evaluation of success postrepair. Perioperative 3-dimensional echocardiography is optimally suited to assist in repair planning. The volumetric nature of the 3-dimensional data allows accurate derivation of qualitative and quantitative measurements. A uniform approach to imaging and description of echocardiographic AV anatomy is essential to facilitate communication across specialties.

Spatiotemporal accuracy of real-time 3D echocardiography in the neonatal and pediatric setting--validation studies using small dynamic test objects.

UNLABELLED: The precision of real-time 3D-echocardiography (RT3DE) is not sufficiently validated for small, fast-moving structures such as the neonatal and pediatric heart. PURPOSE: To assess the spatiotemporal accuracy of RT3DE in small, moving test objects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Small, calibrated test objects in the size of neonatal and pediatric heart chambers were made from polyurethane foam or metal wire mesh and moved in a water bath through a calibrated dynamic test system. Using matrix transducers (X7-2, ie33 and X4-1, Sonos 7500, Philips, Andover, USA), 2 D and live 3 D datasets under variation of the motion speed (0.033 - 0.133 m/s corresponding to 50 - 200 heart cycles/minute), the volume rate and transducer position were recorded and analyzed (QLab 7.0, Philips). RESULTS: 3 D datasets of the moving test objects showed relevant spatial distortion, which was obviously related to the sequential scanning technology of the matrix transducer. Different segments of a test object were not recorded simultaneously, but rather row-by-row, so that there was a time delay between the first and the last-recorded voxel of a single 3 D volume (mean±SD: 28.9 ±â€Š7.82 m/s or 80 ±â€Š7 % of the time duration of a 3 D volume). With increasing motion speed of the test object and reduced 3 D volume rate, the distortion artifacts increased significantly. CONCLUSION: 3 D acquisitions using matrix technology demonstrate relevant spatiotemporal inaccuracies. This may lead to misinterpretations during the evaluation of the synchronicity of valvular or ventricular motion and incorrect definition of volume estimations. In particular, at higher heart rates and higher rates of movement, these limitations have to be taken into account in clinical practice.

Three-dimensional ultrasound in cardiological diagnostics.

BACKGROUND: Diagnostic ultrasonography plays an important part in cardiology. New technological advances such as three-dimensional representation of the heart now make an important supplement to today's standard echocardiography. MATERIAL AND METHOD: An overview based on PubMed literature studies and the authors' own experience is provided of the opportunities three-dimensional echocardiography offers for present and future diagnosis of heart disease. RESULTS: Three-dimensional echocardiography is an important supplement to today's standard echocardiography. The best documentation is available for calculating left ventricular volume and ejection fraction and for diagnosing mitral valve disease. Theoretically, the method can also be used to advantage to assist in catheter-directed interventions and in the diagnosis of cardiomyopathies and complex congenital heart defects. INTERPRETATION: With improved technology and hence improved imaging, three-dimensional echocardiography will be an even more important supplement to today's standard echocardiography. More accurate preoperative diagnostics in connection with heart valve defects are particularly important for directing the choice of surgical procedure.

Three-dimensional simultaneous strain-volume analysis describes left ventricular remodelling and its progression: a pilot study.

AIMS: Three-dimensional (3D)-echocardiography speckle imaging allows the evaluation of frame-by-frame strain and volume changes simultaneously. The aim of the present investigation was to describe the strain-volume combined assessment in different patterns of cardiac remodelling. METHODS AND RESULTS: Fifty patients received a 3D acquisition. Patients were classified as follows: healthy subjects (CNT), previous AMI, and normal ejection fraction (EF; group A); ischaemic cardiomyopathy with reduced EF (group B); hypertrophic/infiltrative cardiomyopathy (group C). Values of 3D strain were plotted vs. volume for each frame to build a strain-volume curve for each case. Peak of radial, longitudinal, and circumferential systolic strain (Rεp, Lεp, and Cεp, respectively), slopes of the curves (RεSl, LεSl, CεSl), and strain to end-diastolic volume (EDV) ratio (Rε/V, Lε/V, Cε/V) were computed for the analysis. Strain-volume curves of the CNT group were steep and clustered, whereas, due to progressive dilatation and reduction of strains, progressive flattening could be demonstrated in groups A and B. Quantitative data supported visual assessment with progressive lower slopes (P< 0.05 for RεSl, CεSl, P= 0.06 for LεSl) and significantly lower ratios (P< 0.01 for Rε/V, Lε/V, and Cε/V). Group C showed an opposite behaviour with slopes and ratios close to those of normal subjects. Correlation coefficients between EDV and slopes of the curves were significant for all the directions of strain (CεSl: r = 0.891; RєSl: r = 0.704; LєSl: r = 0.833; P< 0.0001 for all). CONCLUSION: We measured left ventricular volumes and strain by 3D-echo and obtained strain-volume curve to evaluate their behaviour in remodelling. A distinctive and progressive pattern consistent with pathophysiology was observed. The analysis here shown could represent a new non-invasive method to assess myocardial mechanics and its relationship with volumes.

Functional assessment of the left atrium by real-time three-dimensional echocardiography using a novel dedicated analysis tool: initial validation studies in comparison with computed tomography.

AIMS: A novel real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE) analysis tool specifically designed for evaluation of the left atrium enables comprehensive evaluation of left atrial (LA) size, global, and regional function using a dynamic 16-segment model. The aim of this study was the initial validation of this method using computed tomography (CT) as the method of reference. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study population consisted of 34 prospectively enrolled patients with clinical indication for pulmonary vein isolation. A dynamic polyhedron model of the left atrium was generated using RT3DE. LA maximum and minimum volumes (LA(max)/LA(min)) and emptying fraction (LAEF) were determined and compared with the results obtained by CT. High correlations between RT3DE and CT were found for LA(max) (r = 0.92, P < 0.001), LA(min) (r = 0.95, P < 0.001), and LAEF (r = 0.82, P < 0.001). LA(max) and LA(min) were lower by RT3DE than by CT (95.0 ± 44.7 vs. 119.8 ± 50.5 mL, P < 0.001 and 58.1 ± 41.3 vs. 83.3 ± 52.6 mL, P < 0.001, respectively), whereas LAEF was measured higher by RT3DE (42.8 ± 15.2 vs. 34.2 ± 15.4%, P < 0.001, respectively). RT3DE measurements closely correlated in terms of intra-observer (intra-class correlation r = 0.99, r = 0.99, r = 0.96, respectively) and inter-observer variability (r = 0.97, r = 0.98, r = 0.88, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: LA volumes and EF as assessed by RT3DE correlate highly with CT measurements, albeit there is some bias between the imaging modalities. Most importantly, RT3DE measurements using the novel dedicated LA analysis tool are robust in terms of observer variability and thus suitable for follow-up analyses.

Incremental value of three-dimensional transoesophageal echocardiography for guiding double percutaneous MitraClip ® implantation in a 'no option' patient.

Mitral valve repair for significant mitral regurgitation (MR) is preferred to valve replacement, whenever feasible. Freedom from re-operation is high, reaching 92% at 15 years. However, high-risk patients develop more complications and may be refused surgery. The results from the Endovascular Valve Edge-to-Edge Repair Study (EVEREST) II showed they might benefit from the percutaneous edge-to-edge mitral valve repair using MitraClip(®) system (Evalve, Inc., Menlo Park, CA, USA). We present a case of a ventilator-dependent 57-year-old man with ischaemic A2, A3 prolapse and severe MR causing persistent haemodynamic instability and pulmonary oedema. Attempts to wean the ventilator failed during the 7 month period. High predicted surgical mortality ruled out surgical mitral repair. The percutaneous mitral valve repair became the only option. The use of real-time three-dimensional transoesophageal echocardiography (RT 3D-TOE) to navigate through the cardiac chambers has been previously described. Here, the precise positioning and placement of a second clip, after failure of the first one, was facilitated by 3D-TOE. These images provided 'en-face' views of the mitral valve from both the atrial and ventricular perspective, allowing safe advancement and positioning of the second clip delivery system. Failure of the second clip would have resulted in emergency open heart surgery. This case demonstrates the incremental value of RT 3D-TOE images for a percutaneous double clip mitral repair with the MitraClip(®) system in a patient with no other treatment options.

Bench to bedside: dynamic mitral valve assessment.

PURPOSE: The authors analyze a commercially available software package capable of geometrically reconstructing the mitral valve (MV) dynamically throughout systole. DESCRIPTION: Three-dimensional echocardiography has revolutionized the understanding of MV geometry. Advanced quantification software can be used to assess geometric changes in the MV, which have been shown to have important implications for MV surgery. EVALUATION: The authors performed geometric analysis on 24 patients, with both anatomically normal and abnormal MVs to assess the feasibility of this new software. The application of this new software is briefly reviewed. CONCLUSION: This new software, despite its limitations, allows an improved perspective on MV geometry with implications for MV repair and surgical decision making.

Automated border detection in three-dimensional echocardiography: principles and promises.

Several automated border detection approaches for three-dimensional echocardiography have been developed in recent years, allowing quantification of a range of clinically important parameters. In this review, the background and principles of these approaches and the different classes of methods are described from a practical perspective, as well as the research trends to achieve a robust method.

Real-time three-dimensional echocardiography in evaluating Libman-Sacks vegetations.

Libman-Sacks endocarditis, characterized by sterile fibrofibrinous vegetations that have the potential to develop anywhere on the endocardial surface, was originally reported in 1924. The mitral valve is most commonly affected, followed by the aortic valve, whereas tricuspid and pulmonary valves are seldom involved. Libman-Sacks vegetations can be found in approximately 1 of 10 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus by transoesophageal echocardiography (TTE), and they are variably associated with lupus duration, disease activity, anticardiolipin antibodies, and antiphospholipid syndrome manifestations. The capability to perform real-time 3D (RT3D) imaging in the evaluation of Libman-Sacks vegetation size may strengthen the already established role of transthoracic echocardiogram and TTE. The exact estimation of vegetation size may influence therapeutic interventions. Therefore, we are trying to highlight the role of RT3D echocardiography in assessing vegetation size in a patient with Libman-Sacks endocarditis.

Novel wall motion score-based method for estimating global left ventricular ejection fraction: validation by real-time 3D echocardiography and global longitudinal strain.

AIMS: To evaluate the reliability of a regional wall motion score index (WMSI)-based method for assessment of left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF). METHODS AND RESULTS: Two-dimensional (2D) echocardiography was used to assess a LV 16-segment-based regional wall motion. Each segment received a score based on contractility status: 4, normal kinesis; 3, mild; 2.5, moderate; and 1.5, severe hypo-kinesis; 0, akinesis; -1, dyskinesis; 3.5 and 4.5 were used for low-normal and high-normal kinesis; 5 for hyper-kinesis. Hence, WMSI-based EF was derived by summing the score assigned to each segment. Contextually, EF was evaluated by real-time three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography and by traditional Simpson's method (2D). Global longitudinal strain (GLS) by speckle-tracking method was derived as a volume-independent indicator of LV chamber contractility sensitive to regional wall motion abnormalities. In 40 subjects with 3D-EF ranging from 14 to 80%, including clinically healthy hypertensive and patients with Stage B-D congestive heart failure with global or segmental wall motion abnormalities, on average, WMSI-EF did not differ from EF measured by 3D or 2D (all P > 0.5). By intraclass correlation coefficients, reliability of WMSI-EF vs. 3D method was as good as the reliability of 2D method vs. 3D method. GLS correlated with WMSI-EF as strongly as with 3D-EF (both r(2) = 0.90). Moderate-severe mitral regurgitation was associated with increased difference between WMSI-EF and 3D-EF, independent to potential confounders. Intra-observer and inter-observer reproducibility of WMSI-EF was comparable to the reproducibility of EF estimated by 3D echocardiography. Feasibility (WMSI, 3D, 2D, and GLS all available) was 78%; however, feasibility of WMSI per se was approximately 92% in clinical series. CONCLUSION: Trained readers may rapidly estimate EF by a novel WMSI system, which was found to be accurate compared with 3D method and GLS.