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.