Diseases with a main influence on heart valves
- DOI:
- 10.1093/med/9780198726012.003.0058
The high spatial and temporal resolution, widespread availability, and non-invasive nature of echocardiography make it the imaging modality of choice for assessment of cardiac valvular disease. Echocardiography allows not only detailed evaluation of valve morphology, but also makes possible assessment of the haemodynamic consequences and impact on left and right ventricular size and function. Based on this data, a more informed decision may be made on the nature and timing of surgical or percutaneous intervention. A wide variety of diseases may afflict the cardiac valves. In some such as rheumatic heart disease and degenerative disease, abnormality of valve function is the most important manifestation. Many systemic diseases, however, may affect the cardiac valves and not infrequently, echocardiography may be the first clue to a systemic illness. The salient points of diseases affecting mainly the cardiac valves are discussed in this chapter.
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