Echocardiographic diagnosis of calcific stenosis of a stented aortic homograft in the mitral position

Echocardiography was used to diagnose a calcified and stenotic stent‐mounted aortic homograft in the mitral position. Poorly moving intense echoes from the valve leaflets suggested extensive tissue fibrosis and calcification. Markedly reduced diastolic posterior movement of the echoes returning from the stent implied restriction to ventricular filling through a stenotic mitral valve. Hemodynamic, angiographic, and pathologic findings confirmed this ultrasonic diagnosis. The ultrasonic appearance of the normally functioning stented tissue valve in the mitral position and the technique for recording this bioprosthesis are described.