Introduction
Echocardiography is the primary diagnostic imaging modality for the diagnosis and management of patients with aortic valve disease. In most cases, two-dimensional (2D) transthoracic echocardiogram can provide accurate information on the morphology and function of the aortic valve. However, given the complexity of the aortic valve and aortic root anatomy, other advanced imaging modalities such as multislice computer tomography (MSCT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography have been introduced to improve the diagnostic accuracy and guide interventional procedures. Overall, 3D echocardiography has several advantages over two-dimensional (2D) echocardiography, MSCT and MRI and provides accurate assessment of aortic valve and aorta. In this article we discuss the clinical applications of 3D echocardiography in the evaluation of the aortic valve and the thoracic aorta.