Dynamic LVOT Obstruction and Aortic Stenosis in the Same Patient: A Case of Challenging Doppler Hemodynamics

Echocardiography. 2015 Jun;32(6):1030-2. doi: 10.1111/echo.12935. Epub 2015 Mar 25.

Abstract

We present a patient with both dynamic left ventricular outflow tract obstruction and valvular aortic stenosis. The aortic valve was calcified, and velocities and gradients measured by continuous-wave Doppler met standard criteria for severe aortic stenosis. The increased subvalvular velocities invalidated assumptions of the simplified Bernoulli equation; correction using the longer form of the Bernoulli equation suggested a lower but still significant gradient. The complex shape of the subvalvular spectral Doppler envelope indicated supranormal systolic function and dynamic left ventricular outflow obstruction. Left heart catheterization with an end-hole catheter was required to determine the subvalvular and valvular components of the obstruction.

Keywords: Doppler hemodynamics; aortic stenosis; left ventricular outflow obstruction.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aortic Valve Stenosis / complications*
  • Aortic Valve Stenosis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Artifacts*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Echocardiography, Doppler / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Ventricular Outflow Obstruction / complications*
  • Ventricular Outflow Obstruction / diagnostic imaging*