Improvement of ultrasonic myocardial properties after aortic valve replacement for pure severe aortic stenosis: the predictive value of ultrasonic tissue characterization for left ventricle reverse remodeling.
BACKGROUND
Aortic stenosis leads to left ventricular hypertrophy and accumulation of fibrillar collagens. The analysis of integrated backscatter (IBS) parameters provides information on ultrasonic myocardial properties.


METHODS
The study population consisted of 58 patients with aortic stenosis. They were followed up for an average 18 ± 5 months after aortic valve replacement (AVR). Traditional transthoracic echocardiography and analysis of IBS reflectivity were performed before AVR and during the control visit after AVR.


RESULTS
A significant reduction in left ventricular mass index, a significant increase in the mean cyclic variation of IBS, and a decrease in absolute end-diastolic IBS intensity were observed after AVR.


CONCLUSIONS
These data suggest improvements in ultrasonic myocardial properties after AVR. Preoperative analysis of IBS parameters might provide additional information for predicting left ventricular reverse remodeling in patients a mean of 1.5 years after AVR for aortic stenosis.
Fijalkowski
Marcin
M
First Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland. mfijalkowski@gumed.edu.pl
Koprowski
Andrzej
A
Galaska
Rafal
R
Gruchala
Marcin
M
Pawlaczyk
Rafal
R
Brzezinski
Maciej
M
Rogowski
Jan
J
Rynkiewicz
Andrzej
A
D000368:Aged; D001024:Aortic Valve Stenosis / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D004452:Echocardiography / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006350:Heart Valve Prosthesis; D006801:Humans; D017379:Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D011379:Prognosis; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D020257:Ventricular Remodeling