echo measurements

[Sherry Houck]

Hi, All,
I've been an off and on user of this forum for several years. I had a MVR in June of '97 and have had yearly echos since the surgery. My last echo in 2000 showed my left atrium at a 3.5, well within normal limits and actually much improved from pre-surgery in '97 -- it was 4.2 then. Well, imagine my surprise when my last echo a month ago showed a 4.1. My cardiologist didn't think it was anything to be alarmed about, but, of course, I am. Have any of you had this kind of fluctuation in your measurements? Is it, as my cardio suggested, and inexact science with a margin of error? I would appreciate hearing any of your input on this. Thanks, Sherry

 

[Perrster]

What was that Echo?

What was that Echo?

Sherry,

I had an Echo a couple of weeks ago and am awaiting results to be analyzed by my Cardio doc. I'll post when I get the information.

Cheers!

 

[srwieland]

I've had about 7 or 8 echos in the last 6 months, including one TEE (transesophageal echo). Over one two week period, my left ventricle size went from 64 mm (over 57 mm indicating need to start thinking about surgery again) to 55 mm.

My cardiologist and surgeon, as well as two other well known surgeons including Dr. Zehr from Mayo in Rochester, all initially questioned the accuracy of the echos rather than such an improvement in my condition over such a short time. However, upon reviewing the actual echo videos and following up with the TEE, the accuracy of the echos, and therefore also the improvement in my condition, was confirmed.

So, evidently doctors do sometimes question the accuracy of the echo reports, but they can always look at the videos directly, if they hadn't done so already, to verify the measurements.

Hope this helps.

 

[fdegranville]

ehos

ehos

Hi Sherry,

I have never been able to understand why there are such fluctuations in the echo numbers either. Over the last 22 years I've probably had 30 echos and the numbers are all over the place. I think it has a lot to do on blood volume,velocity through the valves and heart rate that determine the numbers.

So,I've sort of given up how to figure it all out and am not so hung up on the numbers, but more on the symptoms. In your case if there is no evidence of valve leakage, or stenosis, I guess there is no need for concern?

Stay well,
fdeg

 

[Marty]

? Echo measurements

? Echo measurements

Variation is the norm. The test is very technician dependent and measurements vary from lab to lab and tech to tech. Its making measurements from a moving picture in various planes. Its not like surveying a plot of ground. Your cardio is right on.