Validation of a new, semiautomated software for quantitative assessment of the mitral annulus by three-dimensional echocardiography

Thorough characterization of mitral valve (MV) is key for successful MV repair, and 3D echo is the first imaging modality for this purpose. To validate a new software (4DMVanalysis 2.3,TomTec, N) for semiautomatedMVquantitative analysis (MVQA),we acquired3D data sets of the MV (33+5 vps) in 53 volunteers (46+14 yrs; 31 M). Datasets were analyzed offline, in the same frames of the same cardiac cycle, with 2 Methods: 1. manual tracing, from sliced MV views (EchoPAC BT 12, GE, N); and 2. using the new software. MV annulus (MVA) projected area and circumference, anterior-posterior and lateralmedial diameters, and sphericity index were measured at MV closure–MVC; midsystole– MS; and end-systole–ES. Analysis time was 25+5’ with Method 1, and 7+2’with Method 2. There was a good agreement between the 2 methods for all parameters, with a trend for smaller values with method 1 (table). MVQA using a semiautomated software is accurate when compared to manual measurements performed on sliced 3D data set. However, automated software provides more comprehensive MVassessment, shortens analysis time, and needs less observer interaction.