BACKGROUND: Aortic stenosis leads to left ventricular hypertrophy and accumulation of fibrillar collagens. The analysis of integrated backscatter (IBS) parameters provides information on ultrasonic myocardial properties. METHODS: The study population consisted of 58 patients with aortic stenosis. They were followed up for an average 18 ± 5 months after aortic valve replacement (AVR). Traditional transthoracic echocardiography and analysis of IBS reflectivity were performed before AVR and during the control visit after AVR. RESULTS: A significant reduction in left ventricular mass index, a significant increase in the mean cyclic variation of IBS, and a decrease in absolute end-diastolic IBS intensity were observed after AVR. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest improvements in ultrasonic myocardial properties after AVR. Preoperative analysis of IBS parameters might provide additional information for predicting left ventricular reverse remodeling in patients a mean of 1.5 years after AVR for aortic stenosis.
BACKGROUND:Aortic stenosis leads to left ventricular hypertrophy and accumulation of fibrillar collagens. The analysis of integrated backscatter (IBS) parameters provides information on ultrasonic myocardial properties. METHODS: The study population consisted of 58 patients with aortic stenosis. They were followed up for an average 18 ± 5 months after aortic valve replacement (AVR). Traditional transthoracic echocardiography and analysis of IBS reflectivity were performed before AVR and during the control visit after AVR. RESULTS: A significant reduction in left ventricular mass index, a significant increase in the mean cyclic variation of IBS, and a decrease in absolute end-diastolic IBS intensity were observed after AVR. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest improvements in ultrasonic myocardial properties after AVR. Preoperative analysis of IBS parameters might provide additional information for predicting left ventricular reverse remodeling in patients a mean of 1.5 years after AVR for aortic stenosis.