Valve adaptation as a cause of disc opening reduction in mechanical heart valves: the case of the Lillehei-Kaster valve
Montorsi, P.; Teruzzi, G.; Calligaris, G.; Cavoretto, D.
Italian Heart Journal Official Journal of the Italian Federation of Cardiology 4(2): 134-138
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 1129-471X PMID: 12762278 Document Number: 563288
At fluoroscopy a decreased disc motion in mechanical heart prostheses is often a sign of valve thrombosis. On occasion, however, despite an exhaustive diagnostic work-up, common causes of prosthetic valve thrombosis are not found. In these cases the valve disc abnormalities are thought to be due to functional changes. We here report our experience with 5 consecutive patients carrying the Lillehei-Kaster prosthesis who had this fluoroscopic finding that was lately attributed to "valve physiologic adaptation". The time of onset, differential diagnosis and clinical/hemodynamic impact of valve adaptation are discussed.