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