Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
Perivalvular leakage after surgery
This forum is for questions and support regarding heart issues such as: Angina, Angioplasty, Arrhythmia, Bypass Surgery, Cardiomyopathy, Coronary Artery Disease, Defibrillator, Heart Attack, Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure, Mitral Valve Prolapse, Pacemaker, PAD, Stenosis, Stress Tests.
Perivalvular leakage after surgery
by DanHill, Mar 10, 2004 12:00AM
Let me start off by saying how much I appreciate this site, and the doctors who take time to answer these questions! My question is this: it has been three months since my AVR (natural valve), and I just had my first follow-up echocardiogram. The technician detected a tiny peri-valvular leak, from the side of the valve. She said it could be due to a loose suture, or a gap between sutures, but that it was too small to worry about. Is there cause for concern here? Could the sutures come loose, and cause an aortic dissection? Finally, is there a possibility that this is normal, and will heal with time instead of growing larger? Thanks again!
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-M.D.-RCJ, Mar 10, 2004 12:00AM
DanHill,
Thanks for the post.
Q:"Is there cause for concern here?"
I would talk to the cardiologist who ordered/reviewed the test. To diagnose a peri-valvular leak is difficult, and needs expert review.
Q:"Could the sutures come loose, and cause an aortic dissection?"
The natural history of peri-valvular leaks is rarely catastrophic, bu they do require monitoring and follow-up.
Q:"is there a possibility that this is normal"
Yes, particularly if the tech mis-read the echo. Although peri-valvular leaks don't tend to lessen, they do often stabilize. Follow-up exams/echos are usually required.
Hope that helps.
Thanks for the post.
Q:"Is there cause for concern here?"
I would talk to the cardiologist who ordered/reviewed the test. To diagnose a peri-valvular leak is difficult, and needs expert review.
Q:"Could the sutures come loose, and cause an aortic dissection?"
The natural history of peri-valvular leaks is rarely catastrophic, bu they do require monitoring and follow-up.
Q:"is there a possibility that this is normal"
Yes, particularly if the tech mis-read the echo. Although peri-valvular leaks don't tend to lessen, they do often stabilize. Follow-up exams/echos are usually required.
Hope that helps.
