Echocardiography Chapter 11: Valvular Stenosis

Question 1

T/F

The vena contracta of a jet is located slightly downstream of the valvular leaflet tips.

Answer 1

True

Question 2

What three factors determine the flow properties through a given stenotic valve?

e.g. stenotic MV = abrupt early filling; stenotic AoV/PV = flat profile

Answer 2

1) valve anatomy
2) inlet geometry
3) degree of flow acceleration

Question 3

What are some barriers to planimetry assessment?

e.g. think MV

Answer 3

1) in MV, it is easy to get an off-axis image to trace