Overestimation of aortic valve gradient measured by Doppler echocardiography in patients with aortic stenosis

We describe a series of patients with suspected aortic stenosis who were noted to have a significant aortic valve gradient by Doppler echocardiography but only a minimal gradient during cardiac catheterization. Although the pressure recovery phenomenon partially explained this discrepancy, a difference still persisted, particularly in peak gradients. The overestimation occurred at much lower cardiac catheterization gradients than previously reported. Since many of our patients were noted to be hypertensive, this discrepancy might be more apparent in this patient population.