The Angiocardiographic Diagnosis of Valvular Stenosis

The angiocardiographic diagnosis of valvular stenosis depends on demonstrating a limitation in the motion of the cusps or leaflets so that the valve cannot open completely. In general, this technique is best for study of the pulmonic and aortic valves although a fairly accurate evaluation of the pliability or rigidity of a stenotic mitral valve can also be made. The normal valve cusps are usually not seen during systole, but, when they are stenotic, they assume a domelike configuration, bulging in the direction of blood flow. This is easily seen and is quite characteristic. Despite the degree of stenosis, so long as the cusps or leaflets are not severely fibrotic, they can appear normal in their diastolic position.