Aortic Masses
Compared to 2D echocardiography, 3D imaging can provide more accurate diagnostic information regarding the site, size, shape, and number of cardiac masses.
As explained in Figure 6, 2D echo may underestimate the size of a mass lesion unlike 3D echo which will capture the full extent of the mass enabling more accurate measurements. Also, 3D echo permits assessment of volume of any mass involving the aortic valve or aorta which provides superior characterization as compared to mere dimension measurements. 3D TEE also allows en face view of the aortic valve with superb image quality and high spatial resolution, which helps identify the presence of any abnormal masses or tumors on the aortic valve leaflets such as thrombus, vegetation, Lambl’s excrescences, thickened nodules of Arantius, and papillary fibroelastoma (Figure 729, Movies 5, 6A and B29 and 731). 3D TEE has also shown incremental value over 2D TEE in the assessment of aortic atherosclerotic ulcers and thrombi (Movies 8 A-D).32