Multiplane Transesophageal Echocardiographic Findings of Two Cases of Discrete Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis

ABSTRACT

Discrete subvalvular aortic stenosis is a relatively uncommon cause of the left ventricular outflow obstruction, requiring early intervention. Conventional transthoracic echocardiography may fail in some patients due to insufficient imaging quality. In particular, in patients with a discrete fibrous membrane close to the aortic valve without narrowing of the left ventricular outflow tract, the echocardiographic detection of the membrane may be difficult. Transesophageal echocardiography allows a clear visualization of the aortic valve and the left ventricular outflow tract in virtually all patients, it can be performed rapidly with almost no risk, and it may therfore be helpful in establishing the diagnosis of discrete subaortic stenosis, in particular in patients where the conventional transthoracic approach fails. We have experienced two cases of discrete subaortic stenosis. One case of them was combined with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy in this report we discussed the utility of multiplane transesophageal echocardiography in patients with discrete subvalvular aortic stenosis.