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Radiographic appearances of the St. Jude Medical Valve
D J Paquet1, P A Randall, F B Parker
1Department of Radiology, SUNY Health Science Center, Syracuse.
Abstract:
The St. Jude Medical Valve (SJMV), one of the more popular prosthetic cardiac valves in use today, has been described as poorly visualized on plain radiographs, being visible only at fluoroscopy. The chest radiographs of 76 patients (85 valves) in whom the SJMV had been implanted were reviewed in order to assess the visibility and appearances of the SJMV. We found that the SJMV was visible postoperatively in 70 of the 76 patients (92%) on either frontal or lateral chest radiographs or both. Knowing the various normal appearances of the SJMV described here and the anatomic locations of the heart valves, radiologists should be able to visualize and identify this prosthetic valve on chest radiographs in the majority of patients.
Insights
The St. Jude Medical Valve (SJMV) is often difficult to see on X-rays. This study found the SJMV is visible in 92% of patients on standard chest radiographs, aiding radiologist identification.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Prosthetic Devices
Background:
- The St. Jude Medical Valve (SJMV) is a widely used prosthetic cardiac valve.
- Previous reports suggest SJMV visualization on plain radiographs is poor, often requiring fluoroscopy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the visibility and typical appearances of the SJMV on plain chest radiographs.
- To determine the diagnostic utility of standard radiography for SJMV evaluation.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of chest radiographs from 76 patients with 85 implanted SJMVs.
- Analysis of frontal and lateral radiographic views for SJMV visibility and characteristics.
Main Results:
- The SJMV was visualized postoperatively in 70 out of 76 patients (92%) on chest radiographs.
- Both frontal and lateral views contributed to visualization in the majority of cases.
Conclusions:
- The SJMV is readily visible on plain chest radiographs in most patients.
- Familiarity with normal SJMV radiographic appearances and cardiac anatomy aids radiologist identification.
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