Sixty-Four Slice CT Evaluation of Aortic Stenosis Using Planimetry of the Aortic Valve Area

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to evaluate planimetry of the aortic valve area with 64-slice CT in comparison with transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in patients with aortic stenosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six patients with aortic valve disease referred for coronary 64-slice CT angiography were examined. Planimetry of the aortic valve area with 64-slice CT was compared with TTE using the Doppler continuity equation for calculation of the aortic valve area and with planimetric measurement of the aortic valve area using TEE. RESULTS: Planimetry of the aortic valve area with CT (1.11 +/- 0.42 cm2) showed a good correlation with TTE (1.05 +/- 0.42 cm2) (r = 0.88, p < 0.001) in 32 patients and a good correlation with TEE (1.41 +/- 1.61 cm2) (r = 0.99, p < 0.0001) in 10 patients. The mean and maximum transvalvular pressure gradients were correlated with the aortic valve area as measured with CT (r = -0.68, p = 0.0001; and r = -0.67, p = 0.0001, respectively). Beta-blockers were not given (mean heart rate, 62.5 +/- 10.7 beats per minute). CONCLUSION: MDCT allows accurate planimetry of the aortic valve area in patients with aortic stenosis. In patients referred for 64-slice CT coronary angiography, concomitant aortic stenosis can be identified and evaluated.