Quantitative angiographic and morphologic aspects of aortic valve atresia

Quantitative angiographic measurements were performed in 15 infants aged 1 to 35 days who had aortic valve atresia with intact ventricular septum and hypoplastic left ventricle. Thirteen infants had similar measurements performed at autopsy. The latter measurements were smaller than those found at angiography (because of shrinkage), but their relationship was predictable. Angiographic right ventricular (RV) volumes were 2 and 4 times normal in diastole and systole, respectively. The RV volume measured at autopsy was > 3 times normal. Mean RV ejection fraction was 0.40; it was below normal in 10 infants. Maximal right atrial volume was > 2 times normal, and mean left atrial maximal volume was two-thirds normal. The relation between circumferences of the aortic arch and ascending and descending aorta was similar at angiography and autopsy.