How does M-mode look for aortic stenosis?

How does M-mode look for aortic stenosis?

• A. Eccentric closure of valve
• B. Thick dense echoes within aortic root and reduced cusp separation
• C. Normal circulation
• D. Increased cusp separation

Answer: (B)

In M-mode for aortic stenosis, you’re looking for signs of a calcified, restricted valve. Calcification shows up as dense, bright echoes within the aortic root, reflecting calcified leaflets. At the same time, the cusps hardly separate during systole because they are stiff and limited in motion, so the cusp separation is reduced. This combination—dense echoes in the aortic root plus decreased leaflet separation—is characteristic of a stenotic, often calcified, aortic valve. The other descriptions don’t fit: eccentric closure is more related to irregular valve motion or regurgitation patterns, normal circulation isn’t specific, and increased cusp separation would suggest a more normal or even hypermobile valve rather than stenosis.

In M-mode for aortic stenosis, you’re looking for signs of a calcified, restricted valve. Calcification shows up as dense, bright echoes within the aortic root, reflecting calcified leaflets. At the same time, the cusps hardly separate during systole because they are stiff and limited in motion, so the cusp separation is reduced. This combination—dense echoes in the aortic root plus decreased leaflet separation—is characteristic of a stenotic, often calcified, aortic valve. The other descriptions don’t fit: eccentric closure is more related to irregular valve motion or regurgitation patterns, normal circulation isn’t specific, and increased cusp separation would suggest a more normal or even hypermobile valve rather than stenosis.