Diagnosis of the prosthetic heart valve pannus formation with real-time three-dimensional transoesophageal echocardiography

Eur J Echocardiogr. 2010 May;11(4):E17. doi: 10.1093/ejechocard/jep206. Epub 2009 Dec 17.

Abstract

Prosthetic heart valve obstruction (PHVO) caused by pannus formation is an uncommon but serious complication. Although two-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (2D-TEE) is the method of choice in the evaluation of PHVO, visualization of pannus is almost impossible with 2D-TEE. While demonstrating the precise aetiology of PHVO is essential for guiding the therapy, either thrombolysis for valve thrombosis or surgery for pannus formation, more sophisticated imaging techniques are needed in patients with suspected pannus formation. We present real-time 3D-TEE imaging in a patient with mechanical mitral PHVO, clearly demonstrating pannus overgrowth.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Echocardiography, Three-Dimensional
  • Echocardiography, Transesophageal
  • Female
  • Heart Valve Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Heart Valve Prosthesis / adverse effects
  • Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation / adverse effects*
  • Humans