Bicuspid finally confirmed! But new measurements to understand...?

[Marcuse807]

Hello All,

After a few years of doctors saying I probably had a bicuspid valve I have finally had it confirmed with an MRI. I understand that MRI is the 'gold standard' for measurements of the aorta, but these seem to confirm recent measurements by echo - Sov: 39mm, STJ: 32mm; Ass A: 36.5mm.

These measurements seem okay, but was given a series of new measurements which don't know what they mean...

Aortic regurgitation fraction - 6% but likely an under-estimate

Then a range of measures on the volume of ventricle and stroke rate

End diastolic volume: 187
End systolic volume: 52
Stroke volume: 135
Ejection Fraction: 72%

What do these measurements all mean? The EF seems good, but the stroke volume and EDV seem very high indeed. I take beta blockers which slow my heart rate to 53bpm, which may have an effect

Any advice really appreciated...

I have not seen my consultant yet, but he never seems unduly concerned.

Many thanks

Marcuse

 

[pellicle]

Hi

. I understand that MRI is the 'gold standard' for measurements of the aorta,

I was under the impression that the gold standard was measurement at the time of surgery where they can see everything. The MRI guides their choices per surgery so they can narrow the selection which is present.

Sorry I can't offer much help in interpreting the other numbers.

 

[DebbyA]

When I first got into this I asked my cardiologist what numbers she considered important--it was the mean gradient. Normal is zero, so the higher it goes, the closer you are to surgery. Sadly, every time the office changed its software, the abbreviation on the report seemed to change. The other thing to look for is left atrial enlargement--that means your heart is increasing muscle to compensate, and is another indication for surgery. But if you can, pin the consultant down for what he/she/they look for. Check the "References" part of the forum for pointers to more information.

 

[cldlhd]

When they say 0 is normal for a mean gradient are they actually saying that's what the majority of people have or is that just the ideal in that "perfect world" scenario? Post surgery my mean gradient was measured at 4 mmhg and the surgeon was very happy with that. Maybe with a BAV having 0 mmhg is a lot less likely.

 

[Paleowoman]

My mean gradient post surgery is 18 mm/Hg, peak gradient 35 mm/Hg, on all three post surgery echocardiograms. Both the cardiac surgeon and cardiologist have been happy with those figures.

 

[Marcuse807]

I think the gradient is a key indicator with a stenotic valve. I have no stenosis and no gradient. Instead, I have pure regurgitation, so I guess other indicators are key for this.