Sixty-four slice CT evaluation of aortic stenosis using planimetry of the aortic valve area

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of our study was to evaluate planimetry of the aortic valve area with 64-slice CT in comparison with transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and transesophageal echocardiography ( TEE) in patients with aortic stenosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Thirty-six patients with aortic valve disease referred for coronary 64-slice CT angiography were examined. Planimetry of the aortic valve area with 64-slice CT was compared with TTE using the Doppler continuity equation for calculation of the aortic valve area and with planimetric measurement of the aortic valve area using TEE. RESULTS. Planimetry of the aortic valve area with CT (1.11 +/- 0.42 cm(2)) showed a good correlation with TTE (1.05 +/- 0.42 cm(2)) ( r = 0.88, p < 0.001) in 32 patients and a good correlation with TEE (1.41 +/- 1.61 cm(2)) ( r = 0.99, p < 0.0001) in 10 patients. The mean and maximum transvalvular pressure gradients were correlated with the aortic valve area as measured with CT ( r = - 0.68, p = 0.0001; and r = - 0.67, p = 0.0001, respectively). Beta-blockers were not given ( mean heart rate, 62.5 +/- 10.7 beats per minute). CONCLUSION. MDCT allows accurate planimetry of the aortic valve area in patients with aortic stenosis. In patients referred for 64-slice CT coronary angiography, concomitant aortic stenosis can be identified and evaluated.