Echocardiography in evaluation of mitral valve prostheses

Thirty-three patients with mitral valve prostheses were studied with echocardiography in an effort to determine if this technique could be useful in detecting significant abnormalities. Recordings were obtained in the supine position with the transducer directed to record maximum excursion of the prosthesis. Echoes from the struts, poppet and sewing ring were readily recorded. Amplitude of excursion and opening and closing velocities of the poppet were measured. Fifty echocardiographic recordings were obtained from the 33 patients. Of the 33 patients studied, 22 were thought to have "normal" echo tracings while in 11, the tracings were considered "abnormal." Apparent abnormalities consisted of: 1) abnormal diastolic separation between the poppet and strut, 2) increased echoes near the poppet, strut or sewing ring and 3) a combination of both. There was only one instance of suspected "sticking" of the prosthesis. All patients who had "abnormal" studies except one developed complications associated with their prosthesis (90%) compared to only 36% in patients with "normal" tracings. Five patients in each group died. Autopsy studies are described and correlations with the echocardiographic findings are made. In low profile valves reduction in excursion of the disc may be an indication of malfunction. Echocardiography appears to be of value in the assessment of function of mitral valve prostheses.