Pannus formation in prosthetic valves

Pannus formation in prosthetic valves

Pannus is the ingrowth of fibrous tissue into the valve apparatus in case of prosthetic valves, causing valve dysfunction, usually increasing the transvalvular gradients.

1. Pannus formation is more common in the aortic position.
2. Pannus is usually firmly fixed to the valve apparatus and may cause a pre valve jet on colour Doppler.
3. Pannus is highly echogenic and immobile, compared to a thrombus which is less echogenic and mobile.