ABSTRACT
We have described the clinical, hemodynamic, and echocardiographic features of torn aortic cusps with mitral valve fenestration in a patient with infective endocarditis. Hemodynamic studies showed left atrial pressure intermittently exceeding left ventricular end-diastolic pressure. This phenomenon corresponded with intermittent premature mitral valve closure, which may serve as a marker for M-mode echocardiographic diagnosis in combined severe acute aortic and mitral regurgitation.
Subject(s)
Aortic Valve Insufficiency/physiopathology , Mitral Valve Insufficiency/physiopathology , Mitral Valve/physiopathology , Acute Disease , Adult , Aortic Valve/physiopathology , Aortic Valve Insufficiency/complications , Aortic Valve Insufficiency/surgery , Echocardiography , Endocarditis, Bacterial/complications , Female , Humans , Mitral Valve Insufficiency/complications , Mitral Valve Insufficiency/surgery , PhonocardiographyABSTRACT
We describe a patient with massive pulmonary embolism and resultant acute cor pulmonale and severe tricuspid incompetence. Fine systolic tricuspid valve flutter was detected by echocardiography during the acute phase, but the flutter disappeared as the patient improved clinically and the signs of tricuspid incompetence were no longer observed. Systolic flutter of tricuspid valve may serve as a useful clue in treating patients with severe tricuspid incompetence due to acute cor pulmonale.
