What is “hypoattenuated leaflet thickening” and what is a gated CT?

[HeartFighter]

Hi all,

Im just looking forward answers that are better than the medical journals google keeps taking me to.

I received this letter from my cardiology team which contains some very medical terminology and for me, I need to know exactly what these mean.

I’ve had 2 aortic valve replacements due to congenital valve defects. First time was replaced with a porcine valve, lasted 5 years, 2nd time was replaced with a bovine valve and now this is failing after 7 years.

I’ve had the majority tests done in my past but a gated CT is something I’ve never had/heard of. I’ve recently just had a contrast CT which seems to be what this letter is responding to.

Thank you. Xx

[refrigerated6]

I don't know if this answer will be very useful- given that you have googled and I am no medical professional.

Hypoattenuated leaflet thickening (HALT for short) can be found on CTs (which is what you had). The word hypo attenuated is referring to the what was found on the CT scan itself- aka it's appearing whiter/brighter than normal. This can occur after aortic valve replacements... I believe that the reason your second valve is failing is because its leaflets have thickened.

Cardiac gating in CT is just a technique that gives a much higher quality scan that is performed once this is discovered on a normal CT scan. It gives more information on how your ventricles are functioning and just helps guide the diagnosis (e.g. is there calcification etc.)

I feel like this was a useless answer but I hope it gave some clarity

[HeartFighter in reply to refrigerated6]

Thank you for your reply - that does help ☺️ Although I’m no rookie to whole thing, I feel extra anxious and stressed this time. I don’t know what’s that’s all about.

[JulianM]

A cardiac gated scan is where you have two or more electrodes stuck on your skin - they may be on your chest or on your arms - to get a basic ECG so that the scan can be taken at a specific time in your heart cycle, such as the end of systole (when the aortic valve has just closed).

Because the heart, the valves, and the walls of the aorta and pulmonary artery, are in constant motion, it's the only way to get precise measurements in these areas. It's exactly the same principle as using a stroboscope (regularly flashing light) to 'freeze' the motion of a wheel.

[HeartFighter in reply to JulianM]

Amazing ❤️ Thank you for explaining that so clearly ☺️ Xx