Re: Questions concerning VSD

Posted By Doug on May 26, 1999 at 12:53:46
I have had a VSD since birth.  The aortic valve has one of the cusp being suck through the VSD. They used to think it was bi-cuspid.  In 96 I had an echo that showed Trace regurgitation in the mitral valve, aortic valve, tricuspid valve and pulmonic valve with trivial pericardial effusion.  The Left Ventricle was 5.3 diastolic, 3.8 systolic and the Left right ventricle diastolic was 1.0, left atrium was 4.0.  Ejection fraction was about 55%.  What, if anything can be expected for the future?  One cusp of the aortic valve was "slightly thickened".  Does that mean anything?  Lately I have had more shortness of breath than before and seem to be easily tired.  I have not been seen since 96.  What do you think or recommened.  Thanks.

[CCF Cardio MD - MTR]

Posted By CCF CARDIO MD - MTR on May 26, 1999 at 15:21:46
Dear Doug, thank you for your question.  I can't give you specific advice in this forum.  Since your cardiac history is confusing to me, it's hard to answer your question.  For example, did your most recent echo document a residual VSD or leaking of the aortic valve?  Since you are now experiencing shortness of breath and fatigue, I think you need to see a cardiologist to determine your prognosis and whether any new or additional tests need to be performed.  
I hope you find this information useful.  Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only.  Only your physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies. Please feel free to write back with additional questions.  Good luck.
If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter.   The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.

[Doug__0__0]

Posted By Doug on May 26, 1999 at 15:28:46
VSD has been known since birth.  They thought I had a bi-cuspid aortic valve but then found out through a TEE that one cusp was being sucked through the VSD.  I guess my question is with one cusp being sucked through the VSD will it have the same effect as a bi-cuspid valve, (need replaced sometime)?  What about the regurge on the different valves? Can I expect the chambers to grow?

[CCF Cardio MD - MTR]

Posted By CCF CARDIO MD - MTR on May 26, 1999 at 15:35:46
Dear Doug, thank you for your quick follow-up.  If one aortic valve cusp is "pulled" into the VSD, then your aortic valve should be leaking.  Bicuspid aortic valves generally cause stenosis of the aortic valve leaflets and not leaking.  If the VSD is small, you may tolerate it for a long time with enlargement of your cardiac chambers or an elevation of the pressures on the right side of your heart.  Therefore, you need more specific information from your physician to determine your prognosis.  However, I hope that I have helped you.  Good luck!

[Doug__0__0]

Posted By Doug on May 26, 1999 at 15:45:51
Las time... What effect does a leaking aortic valve cause vs a bicuspid valve?










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