Changes in chest radiograph after aortic valve replacement.

Abstract

The changes In the chest X-ray film were studied In 25 patients, before, and 1 yr. after aortic valve replacement, with the University of Cape Town lenticular prosthesis. Valuable Information about the results of the operation are provided. The patients were divided Into subgroups according to the nature of the aortic valve disease. Heart volume and cardlothoraclc ratio returned to normal In 15 patients, and the greatest Improvement was observed in patients with aortic Incompetence. The causes of residual cardlo-megaly are discussed. Pulmonary venous hypertension was present in nearly all the patients before the operation; 9 had persistent changes and the causes are discussed. Improvement In aortic size and configuration was less dramatic. Much of this abnormality may be Irreversible.