Echocardiographic Manifestations of Congenital Quadricuspid Aortic Valves and Surgical Follow-ups / 中国医学影像学杂志

ABSTRACT

Purpose To summarize the clinical and echocardiographic characteristics of congenital quadricuspid aortic valves (QAV) so as to improve the understanding of QAV and the accuracy of preoperative diagnosis.Materials and Methods The clinical and echocardiographic data of 7 patients with QAV at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University were retrospectively studied,and the features such as the aortic valve (AV) leaf number,echo,shape,opening and closing movements,and its hemodynamics were observed and compared with surgical follow-ups.Results Five out of the 7 patients had chest tightness,chest pain,fluster,shortness of breath,and 2 others had no discomfort.The echocardiography presented that all the cases had moderate or severe aortic valve regurgitation.4 patients were diagnosed as QAV,2 patients were not diagnosed definitely,and the rest 1 was misdiagnosed.6 patients underwent aortic valve replacement and were all confirmed with QAV,among whom 2 patients were combined with infective endocarditis,and 1 patient was with aortic dilatation.All the surgical operations were successful and the patient's physical conditions were good after surgery.Conclusion Echocardiography plays an important role in diagnosis of aortic valve,but it is possible to be missed or misdiagnosed.Most QAV patients have good prognosis,but close follow-ups are needed when QAV is combined with other complex deformity or has induced secondary damages.