USE OF ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY FOR DETECTING AORTIC-VALVE LEAFLET AVULSION AND PREDICTING REPAIR POTENTIAL AFTER BALLOON VALVULOPLASTY

Regardless of surgical outcome, 2-dimensional echocardiographic imaging provides accurate information about the site of fusion between aortic valve leaflets and the location of leaflet avulsions. We recommend echocardiographic inspection of the aortic valve for leaflet avulsions after BAV, and consideration of early surgical repair if an avulsion is identified. © 1995 Excerpta Medica, Inc. All rights reserved under the United States, International, and Pan-American Copyright Conventions.