Question on echo results

[derekj72]

My echo results from last week showed

1) Bicuspid aortic valve with mild to moderate AR and moderately dilated aortic root. Max aortic root measurement 4.7cm by 2D and 4.9 cm by 3D. Borderline ascending aorta dilatation at 3.9cm.

2) Mild LVH with normal LV size and systolic function. Estimated EF 66% by MOD. Trace TR and MR. RVSP = 25mmHg.

I understand each of the terms, but can someone explain to me how i could have mild LVH while having a normal LV size and function? This seems contradictory to me.

For now it's watching and waiting. No surgery yet for me.

 

[themalteser]

Hi, I think that hypertrophy is measured in the inside, but from the outside it's normal when systolic and diastolic . Function normality means that no blood pumping is compromised, so there is nothing to worry about.

 

[Greg a]

Derek, a heart felt WELCOME to our OHS family glad you found us, there is a wealth of knowledge here for the future .....


-Bob/tobagotwo has up dated a list of acronyms and short forms http://www.valvereplacement.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=8494&d=1276042314

-what to ask pre surgery http://www.valvereplacement.org/for...68-Pre-surgery-consultation-list-of-questions

-what to take with you to the hospital http://www.valvereplacement.org/forums/showthread.php?13283-what-to-take-to-the-hospital-a-checklist

-Preparing the house for post surgical patients http://www.valvereplacement.org/for...Getting-Comfortable-Around-the-House&p=218802

These are from various forum stickies and there is plenty more to read as well


And Lynw recently added this PDF on what to expect post op
http://www.sts.org/documents/pdf/whattoexpect.pdf

 

[derekj72]

This is really helpful, thank you.

 

[ALCapshaw2]

The Good News is than your condition has been diagnosed before you reached the severe stage.

It would be wise to start interviewing Surgeons. In the hands of experienced Surgeons, all of your conditions are 'fixable' with high rates of success. It is good to find a surgeon you are comfortable with before you reach the 'trigger' point(s) so that you know where you will go and who will be performing your surgery.

With BAV and Aorta Dilation, you would be wise to look for a Surgeon with considerable experience doing Surgery of the Aorta (which is a step beyond normal Valve Replacement). You should also ask about experience dealing with Connective Tissue Disorders which are often associated with (congenital) BAV and can result in Aortic Aneurysms.

Dr. Craig Miller (and his colleagues) at Stanford are Highly Regarded Valve and Aorta Surgeons in your area.

'AL Capshaw'

 

[derekj72]

Thank you Al. I've been seeing the team at Stanford for the past 2 years, but haven't met Miller yet. I've known about my condition since 1995 (when it was 4.2cm) and have lived in various areas of the country, seeing different doctors. The team at Stanford is the one for me.

-Derek

 

[Bill B]

LVH is determined by wall thickness.

How's your blood pressure? (that effects the LV and the aortic root)

I certainly second AL's recommendation of Craig Miller if you need a CT surgeon, particularly if aorta repair is involved. I owe Dr. Miller my life.

 

[derekj72]

BP is 117 / 69. Strangely, it is almost always within 1 or two points of that, both systolic and diastolic. I'm on 25mg of atenolol daily

 

[Bill B]

Excellent. It sounds like you are in very good hands already.