Spectroanalytic evaluation of aortic prosthetic valves.

Spectroanalysis was performed to evaluate aortic prosthetic valve function in 16 adult patients who were observed for a maximum of eight years. These patients were restudied because of symptoms or signs of cardiac deterioration or because of a new aortic regurgitant murmur. One of the 16 patients was restudied without these indications on the advice of his referring physician. All 16 underwent repeated catheterization and spectroanalysis. Nine were operated on again. On the basis of the catheterization or the surgical findings, or both, three groups of patients were categorized as the following: Group 1, normal prosthetic valve function and no aortic regurgitation; the four patients in this group had a normal spectroanalysis. Group 2, normal prosthetic valve function with a paravalvular leak; six of the seven patients in this group had a normal spectroanalysis, with one borderline result. Group 3, abnormal prosthetic valve function; four of the five patients in this group had abnormal spectroanalysis frequency cut-offs, with one borderline result. Spectroanalysis is a safe, reliable, noninvasive method for clinical investigation of aortic prosthetic valve recipients. It is helpful in distinguishing patients with paravalvular leaks from those with true prosthetic valve dysfunction. A normal spectroanalysis suggests a normally functioning aortic prosthesis. The need for repeated catheterization and possible operation then rests solely on the presence or absence of significant cardiac signs or symptoms noted clinically.