Multi detector CT for differentiation of prosthetic valve thrombus from pannus

Multi detector CT for differentiation of prosthetic valve thrombus from pannus Differentiation of prosthetic valve thrombus from pannus is often difficult by echocardiography. Both can cause abnormal masses and both can cause increase in the transvalvar gradients and leaftlet thickness. Multi detector computed tomograms are useful for differentiation of prosthetic valve thrombus from pannus. Attenuation of signals as measured in Hounsfield units is lower for the thrombus compared to pannus. Pannus has attenuation values similar to the adjacent interventricular septum. ECG (electrocardiogram) gated computed tomography (CT) also helps in the assessment of the dynamic function of the prosthetic valve in systole and diastole. Early hypoattenuated leaflet thickening indicative of subclinical prosthetic valve thrombosis was detected in 10% of cases in one study [1]. It was fully reversible on anticoagulation. The study used ECG triggered dual source CT angiography. Reference Pache G, Schoechlin S, Blanke P, Dorfs S, Jander N, Arepalli CD, Gick M, Buettner HJ, Leipsic J, Langer M, Neumann FJ, Ruile P. Early hypo-attenuated leaflet thickening in balloon-expandable transcatheter aortic heart valves. Eur Heart J. 2016 Jul 21;37(28):2263-71. The post Multi detector CT for differentiation of prosthetic valve thrombus from pannus appeared first on Cardiophile MD.
Source: Cardiophile MD - Category: Cardiology Authors: Tags: General Cardiology Source Type: blogs