Aortic stenosis: Echocardiogram in parasternal short axis view

Aortic stenosis: Echocardiogram in parasternal short axis view

Echocardiogram in parasternal short axis view showing aortic stenosis with thickened aortic valve in closed position. One leaflet of pulmonary valve in closed position, right ventricular outflow tract, left atrium and left atrial appendage are other structures seen in this image.

Aortic stenosis in short axis view - valve open
Aortic stenosis in short axis view – valve open

In this image, aortic valve is seen in open position with possibly a single commissure which is thickened, suggestive of a unicuspid aortic valve. This picture was obtained after palliative balloon aortic valvotomy in a case with severe left ventricular failure, at high risk for open valvotomy or aortic valve replacement. Elective valve replacement was planned for a later date. Pulmonary valve leaflet is not seen in this view as it is almost flush with the wall of the pulmonary artery in open position in systole.