Aortic Stenosis Echocardiographic Findings

With aortic stenosis, two-dimensional echocardiography typically reveals thickening of the aortic valve leaflets. During measurement, the valve's opening distance is assessed. Characteristic features include increased leaflet thickness, enhanced echogenicity, significantly restricted opening, and commissural fusion. The valve orifice area can be measured using the short-axis view of the aortic root.

Echocardiographic Assessment of Aortic Stenosis

M-mode and two-dimensional echocardiography demonstrate thickened aortic valve leaflets, reduced valve excursion, and significant left ventricular wall thickening. These imaging techniques provide valuable structural insights into the progression of the disease and its impact on cardiac morphology.

Role of Doppler Imaging in Diagnosis

Color Doppler and pulsed-wave Doppler techniques offer critical hemodynamic information, enhancing the diagnostic accuracy of two-dimensional imaging. Color Doppler typically reveals a high-velocity, mosaic-colored jet during systole at the aortic valve, with subsequent dilation of the ascending aorta.

Both pulsed-wave and continuous-wave Doppler display characteristic high-velocity jet spectra across the aortic valve. These Doppler findings are essential for quantifying the severity of stenosis and guiding clinical decision-making.

Quantitative Evaluation of Aortic Valve Stenosis

Quantitative diagnosis involves measuring the transvalvular pressure gradient and calculating the aortic valve area. In cases of aortic stenosis, jet velocity across the valve typically exceeds 2 meters per second. Severe stenosis is generally defined by a jet velocity greater than 4.5 meters per second, which supports the need for further clinical intervention and evaluation.