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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
Difference in appearance of Mechanical Mitral valve and Tissue valve on Echo
Answered by
Cleveland - OH
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Difference in appearance of Mechanical Mitral valve and Tissue valve on Echo
by kayl, Feb 21, 2004 12:00AM
Thank you for taking my question. I have a St. Jude Mechanical Mitral valve. Due to continuing symptoms, shortness of breath, palpitations, chest pain, etc. I just completed a work-up for my rheumatic heart disease. Right Heart Cath showed increased pressures and I have been diagnosed with Pulmonary Hypertension. I begin treatment soon. I received copies of my echos done over the past year. The technicians reported that I had a normally operating tissue valve. Could scarring of the valve make it appear to be a tissue valve? Are there different formulas used to determine the area of a mechanical mitral valve as opposed to a tissue valve? I have severe biatrial enlargement and severe tricuspid regurgitation, and mild moderate aortic regurgitation. The mitral valve area as a tissue valve was 1.7. Since I have a mechanical valve, would that area be less or greater ? I greatly appreciate your time in answering my question. Thanks!
Doctor's Answer
by Cleveland Clinic, Feb 21, 2004 12:00AM
, Feb 21, 2004 12:00AM
kayl,
The echo report is most likely a misinterpretation or misprint. Typically mechanical valves have a characterisitc appearance on echo. Sometimes, as you probably know, echo isnt perfect and their may have been some type of artifact interfering with visualization of the valve. This would typically be noted in the report.
The methods used to quantify the area of the mitral valve are not really applicable to mechanical valves due to several factors. A more reliable method would be to follow the measurements over time and compare them to when your valve was first put in.
There are several possibilities for your pulmonary hypertension. I would make sure you are being evaluated in a center that specializes in it's treatment.
good luck
The echo report is most likely a misinterpretation or misprint. Typically mechanical valves have a characterisitc appearance on echo. Sometimes, as you probably know, echo isnt perfect and their may have been some type of artifact interfering with visualization of the valve. This would typically be noted in the report.
The methods used to quantify the area of the mitral valve are not really applicable to mechanical valves due to several factors. A more reliable method would be to follow the measurements over time and compare them to when your valve was first put in.
There are several possibilities for your pulmonary hypertension. I would make sure you are being evaluated in a center that specializes in it's treatment.
good luck
I don't know anything more about that subject, but just thought I would mention it. I am curious though, so if anybody has any more info about it...