3D and 4D Ultrasound: Current Progress and Future Perspectives

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography (3DE) and 4-dimensional echocardiography (4DE), also known as real-time (RT) 3DE (RT3DE), are rapidly emerging technologies which have made significant impact in the clinical arena over the years. This review will discuss the recent applications of 3DE in diagnosing and treating different types of cardiovascular disease. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent studies using 3DE expanded on prior findings and introduced additional applications to different cardiac conditions. Some studies have used 3D parameters to prognosticate long-term outcomes. Numerous innovative software designs including fully automated algorithms have been introduced to better evaluate valvular heart disease and cardiac function. SUMMARY: With further evolution of 3DE technologies, this imaging modality will emerge as a powerful tool and likely become the imaging modality of choice in the diagnosis and management of various cardiac disorders.