June 1, 1975Journal of Clinical Ultrasound
Intracavitary echoes in patients with mitral prosthetic valves
Key result
Abnormal intracavitary echoes were observed in 14 of 36 echocardiograms in patients with mitral prosthetic valves, occurring more frequently with anemia, low platelets, and cloth-covered valves.
Why the study?
What clinical factors are associated with abnormal intracavitary echoes in patients with mitral prosthetic valves?
Study Design
Type
Observational (n=31)
Structured PICO
What clinical factors are associated with abnormal intracavitary echoes in patients with mitral prosthetic valves?
P
Population
31 patients with 36 mitral prosthetic valves undergoing routine echocardiograms.
E
Exposure
Routine echocardiography
O
Outcome
Presence of abnormal intracavitary echoes within the left ventriclesurrogate
Abnormal intracavitary echoes in patients with mitral prosthetic valves are associated with anemia, low platelets, cloth-covered valves, and worse functional class, possibly representing tiny fibrin clots or fibers.
Limitations
- Does not clarify the origin of the abnormal echoes
- Study does not clarify the origin of the abnormal echoes
Authors
Discussion
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Implication
LV echoes in mitral prosthesis merit caution in echo interpretation; leaves open etiology and clinical relevance.
Cite This Study
Schuchman et al. (1975) conducted an observational in Mitral prosthetic valves (n=31). Patient and valve characteristics (e.g., anemia, low platelets, cloth-covered valves) vs. Patients without these characteristics was evaluated on Presence of abnormal intracavitary echoes. Abnormal intracavitary echoes were observed in 14 of 36 echocardiograms in patients with mitral prosthetic valves, occurring more frequently with anemia, low platelets, and cloth-covered valves.