title: Radiologic search for embolized leaflets of prosthetic heart valves: a report of two cases.
abstract: In a radiologic search for embolized leaflets of Edwards-Duromedics bileaflet valves in 2 patients, the embolized fragments were localized in the iliac vessels using computed tomography. Sonography was successful in one case and standard X-ray films of the abdomen were negative in both cases. In vitro investigations with Björk-Shiley and Edwards-Duromedics leaflets suggested that standard X-ray films of the abdomen and pelvis should be considered as the first investigational technique. If negative, computed tomography of the lower abdomen should be done.
authors.affiliation: Central Institute for Radiodiagnostics, University of Vienna, Austria.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Schurawitzki
authors.forename: P C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Hajek
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kramer
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Grabenwöger
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Klepetko
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Moritz
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004617:Embolism / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006350:Heart Valve Prosthesis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010388:Pelvis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011475:Prosthesis Failure; D011860:Radiography, Abdominal; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods