Planimetry and Transthoracic Two-Dimensional Echocardiography in Noninvasive Assessment of Aortic Valve Are in Patients With Valvular Aortic Stenosis

Objectives. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability of transthoracic two-dimensional echocardiography in measuring aortic valve are (AVA) by planimetry. Background. Planimetry of AV using two-dimensional transesophageal echocardiographic images has been reported to be reliable method for measuring AV in patients with aortic stenosis. Recent advances in resolution of two-dimensional echocardiography permit direct visualization of an aortic valve orifice from the transthoracic approach more easily than before. Methods. Forty-two adult patients with valvular aortic stenosis were examined. parasternal short-axis view of the aortic valve was obtained with transthoracic two-dimensional echocardiography. AV was measured directly by planimetry of the inner leaflet edges at the time of maximal opening in early systole. AV was also measured by planimetry using transesophageal echocardiography, by the continuity equation and by cardiac catheterization (Gorlin formula). Results. In 32 (76%) of the 42 study patients, AV could be detected by using the transthoracic planimetry method. There were good correlations between results of transthoracic two-dimensional echocardiographic planimetry and the continuity equation (y = 0.90x + 0.09, r = 0.90, p < 0.001, SEE = 0.09 cm2), transesophageal echocardiographic planimetry (y = 1.05x − 0.02, r = 0.98, p < 0.001, SEE = 0.04 cm2) and the Gorlin formul (y = 1.02x + 0.05, r = 0.89, p < 0.001, SEE = 0.10 cm2). Conclusions. Transthoracic two-dimensional echocardiography provides feasible and reliable method in measuring AV in patients with aortic stenosis.