Demonstration of Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Eccentricity by Real Time 3D Echocardiography: Implications for the Determination of Aortic Valve Area

Abstract

In our small patient sample with normal aortic valves, we showed the LVOT shape is usually not round and frequently, elliptical. Incorrectly assuming a round LVOT underestimated the ALVOT-3Dplan and consequently the AVA by 15%. Investigating the LVOT in aortic stenosis is warranted to evaluate whether RT3DE may improve measurement of AVA.