Quantitative validation of left atrial structure and function by two-dimensional and three-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography: A comparative study with three-dimensional computed tomography

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to validate the accuracy of three-dimensional (3D) speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) and two-dimensional (2D)-STE for the assessment of left atrial (LA) volume and function by comparison with 3D-computed tomography (CT) performed on the same day as STE.MethodsLA phasic volume and emptying function (EF) were measured in 28 patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation undergoing catheter ablation (62 ± 11 years old) using both 3D-STE and 2D-STE during sinus rhythm. LA phasic volume and function measured by 3D-STE and 2D-STE were validated using 3D-CT as a gold standard.ResultsThe intraobserver correlation coefficient and variability in maximum LA volume assessed by 3D-STE were 0.99 and 1.4 ± 6.0%, respectively. The interobserver correlation coefficient and variability in maximum LA volume assessed by 3D-STE were 0.99 and 0.2 ± 4.5%, respectively. There were strong correlations between LA phasic volume measured by 3D-CT and those measured by 3D-STE (r = 0.98, p < 0.001). There were correlations between LA phasic function measured by 3D-CT and those measured by 3D-STE (r = 0.85-0.88, p < 0.001). There was a better agreement between 3D-CT and 3D-STE in the assessment of LA phasic volumes and function than between 3D-CT and 2D-STE in apical 2- and 4-chamber view.Conclusions3D-STE allows more accurate measurement of LA volume and function than 2D-STE and has high reproducibility.