Shamrock Aortic Valve?

[KimC]

Happy Pre-St. Patrick's Day!

I have a new one for you, (at least it was for me) ...

Since I last posted, I switched cardios and sought an opinion from the Cleveland Clinic.

My diagnosis is largely the same, but I was told this evening that I have a "four-leaflet" aortic valve, (am I lucky or ...?)

Does anyone out there have a "shamrock" aortic valve? I can't find much info on it. At least now I know why I have AI.

I also was told I have a 10% "perfusion defect" under stress, which means I have some degree of ischemia during exercise from the AI. (Note: Does anyone have any experience w/ these percentages and what they mean? They were a result of my thallium stress test).

Thank you. I hope everyone's doing well.

Peace,

 

[tommy]

Kim,

Shamrock, huh? I guess you fulfill the law of averages with all of us bicuspids.

Sorry, I don't have any info to help, but wish you well.

 

[epstns]

Well, everyone, I guess we know where the missing leaflet of some bicuspid valver went. . .

(Steve runs and hides. . . )

 

[Nancy]

Hi Kim-

You certainly are "special". First time I think I've heard of this on the site.

Happy St. Patrick's Day, I think.

But all kidding aside, I am so happy to hear that you have some answers. Sounds like you're in some good hands now.

Take care and let us know how things develop.

 

[KimC]

Thanks, all. You crack me up! Did I tell you my husband calls me "The Flapper"?

If anyone should come across my post w/ info on the "defect," then please pass it along. I'm definitely curious.

Nancy, I knew you'd be proud of my newfound assertiveness. ;-)

I'll keep you posted, and check in to see how all my friends are doing.

Until then --

God bless,

 

[Nancy]

You piqued my curiousity. Your condition is called quadricuspid aortic valve.

Here's some links:

http://info.med.yale.edu/intmed/cardio/chd/c_quad_aov_1801359/

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/...ve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12732093&dopt=Abstract

 

[KimC]

Nancy,

YOU DA MAN, so to speak! Thanks for sharing. At least now I know I'm not alone ... lol.

Warm regards,

 

[Karlynn]

Kim,
Good to hear from you. We always knew you were special. However, couldn't you have waited until St. Patrick's Day for the unveiling of your Shamrock valve? Looks like you don't need to wear green, the valve has you covered.

Keep taking good care of yourself!

 

[Nancy]

KimC's exam

 

[KimC]

ROTFL, ROTFL ... sharing with entire family ... well, maybe not the kids!

 

[Bryan B]

Kim,

Since my surgery is on St. Patrick's day could you rub your chest for me early that morning and send some good mojo my way?

 

[Karlynn]

Nancy,
What a riot! You can work that computer ma'am!

 

[KimC]

Karlynn, thanks so much for your well wishes! It's great to hear from you again.

Bryan, are you SERIOUS? You're having surgery on St. Paddy's Day? Well, the Luck of the Irish be with ya. I shall do a little jig in your favor!

Cheers,
Kim

 

[Mary]

Shamrock valve

Shamrock valve

I've been looking back at all the posts, and came across the one from Kim saying Cleveland Clinic had diagnosed a shamrock aortic valve. I previously listed the difficulties I've had with my cardiologist, but this post made me remember a specific instance that made me uneasy with him.
When I had my stress test two years ago, they were initially unsure what the valve problem was. About 3/4 of the way through the procedure, the tech and doctor both exclaimed when they saw the valve opening and closing. I remember the doctor saying, "That is the weirdest looking valve I've seen." I remember it, because it was a little insulting! He left immediately after the test, (in a hurry for office appointments) and I didn't go back to see him for a year. I really believe he's forgotten it, because it wasn't documented. He's still referring to it as "a probable bicuspid aortic valve" on the echo reports.
How did Cleveland clinic know that was it?
Thanks,
Mary

 

[KimC]

Hi, Mary.

I've had a total of three opinions on my aortic valve -- the final one citing the quadra-cuspid "defect" was initially found on an echo, then confirmed locally by the chief of the cath lab at Charleston's MUSC. I meet w/ my cardio again later this month and plan to ask more questions.

My case is a good example of why everyone should seek a second opinion when it comes to heart matters!

Best,
Kim