Usefulness of M-mode, 2-dimensional, and Doppler echocardiography in the diagnosis, prognosis, and management of valvular aortic stenosis, aortic regurgitation, and mitral annular calcium in older patients.
OBJECTIVE
To review the diagnosis, prognosis, and management of valvular aortic stenosis, aortic regurgitation, and mitral annular calcium (MAC) with emphasis on older persons.


METHODS
A computer-assisted search of the English-language literature (MEDLINE database) followed by a manual search of the bibliographies of pertinent articles.


METHODS
Studies on the diagnosis, prognosis, and management of valvular aortic stenosis, aortic regurgitation, and MAC were screened for review. Studies in older persons and recent studies were emphasized.


METHODS
Pertinent data were extracted from the reviewed articles. Emphasis was on studies involving older persons. Relevant articles were reviewed in depth.


RESULTS
Available data about the diagnosis, prognosis, and management of valvular aortic stenosis, aortic regurgitation, and MAC with emphasis on studies involving older persons were summarized.


CONCLUSIONS
Valvular aortic stenosis, aortic regurgitation, and MAC are degenerative cardiac disorders which are common in older people. The presence and severity of these cardiac disorders are diagnosed by M-mode, 2-dimensional, and Doppler echocardiography. M-mode, 2-dimensional, and Doppler echocardiographic techniques are also very useful in the prognosis and management of these cardiac disorders in older persons.
Aronow
W S
WS
Hebrew Hospital Home, Bronx, New York 10475.
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001022:Aortic Valve Insufficiency / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy; D001024:Aortic Valve Stenosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy; D004452:Echocardiography; D015150:Echocardiography, Doppler; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008946:Mitral Valve Stenosis / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy; D015995:Prevalence; D011379:Prognosis