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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
conflicting diagnoses of chf, mitral valve prolapse
Answered by
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conflicting diagnoses of chf, mitral valve prolapse
by D. Hill, Dec 25, 1999 12:00AM
In 1994 I had an echocardiogram that noted no abnormalities. My next echo (1998)reported an ejection fraction of 35% and I was diagnosed with chf, and placed on amiodarone therapy. Now, in December 1999, my echo reports a 55% ef but for the first time detects mitral valve prolapse. I'm a 48 year old male experiencing intermitant atrial fibrillation for over 20 years following a severe electric shock. Earlier in 1999, the amiodarone converted the atrial fibrillation following two failed electroconversions. Is this much echo variation usual? Different operators were involved in each echo. My atrial fib has returned and I'm worried about: What's next?
Doctor's Answer
by Cleveland Clinic, MD, Dec 25, 1999 12:00AM
, Dec 25, 1999 12:00AM
There are several possiblities. 1) The second echo was wrong and your heart function was normal at that time. 2) The second echo was right and your heart function has improved with the rate control provided by the amiodarone. 3) The third echo is wrong and you still have a low EF.
To help sort this out if you were to come to the Cleveland Clinic we would do our own echo which I have a high degree of confidence in. If I had to bet on one though I would take #2. The issue of the MVP is less clear and it is possible it was previously missed but I don't have a good explaination. It may be a good idea to get a second opinion at a major heart center.
To help sort this out if you were to come to the Cleveland Clinic we would do our own echo which I have a high degree of confidence in. If I had to bet on one though I would take #2. The issue of the MVP is less clear and it is possible it was previously missed but I don't have a good explaination. It may be a good idea to get a second opinion at a major heart center.
