Characterization of spectral broadening of Doppler signals recorded in the left ventricular outflow tract of patients with a valvular aortic stenosis

Ultrasonic Doppler signals were recorded in the left ventricular outflow tract of 48 patients to detect aortic valve stenosis. Extraction of Doppler spectral parameters was based on the characterization of spectral broadening. Results showed that the spectral envelope area is the best parameter among those tested for discriminating between patients with and without aortic pressure gradient, and also between patients having a mean aortic pressure gradient lower and higher than 60 mmHg. The systolic window and the bandwidth at -3 dB of the mode frequency gave the worst results.<
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