investigations
Last reviewed 01/2018
- Electrocardiography - this usually shows left ventricular hypertrophy.
- chest X-ray
- lateral film - calcification of the valve may be seen.
- PA film - the left ventricle is normal sized until there is left ventricular failure (or coincident regurgitation). There may be poststenotic dilatation of the ascending aorta.
- echocardiography and Doppler scanning - there may be left ventricular thickening of the free wall and septum (>1cm). Dilation of the left ventricle occurs if there is associated aortic regurgitation or failure. Doppler ultrasound may be used to assess the pressure gradients.
- cardiac catheterisation and angiocardiography - A Gorlin valve area of 0.5 cm sq. is indicative of severe aortic stenosis.