Localization of the Origin of Systolic Clicks Using Echo-Pulsed Doppler Technique

Abstract

Echo-pulsed doppler (EPD) studies were performed in 2 surgically controlled patients with systolic clicks. The recorded blood samples documented the click to be originated in the right atrium, at the site of the prolapsed anterior tricuspid leaflet in 1 case of heroin-induced tricuspid acute endocarditis. In the second patient suffering from aortic valve disease, an ejection click was recorded, and could be demonstrated by using EPD, to originate from the aortic leaflet at its time of maximal excursion. EPD apears to be a safe, noninvasive method to solve the problem of the origin of systolic clicks.