Brooke's Cardiology Report...

Today we had our visit with Pediatric Cardiology for Brooke. I could not have been more pleased with our day. The cardiologist was amazing! He was willing to take all the time needed to run the proper tests and educate us on all that is 'unique' with Brooke's heart.

Brooke does indeed have a minor heart defect, that, at this time, poses no threat to her. He did also confirm a functional murmur that is completely unrelated to the defect.

Instead of having a Tricuspid Aortic Valve she has a Bicuspid Aortic Valve.

                                                        Tricuspid                      Bicuspid

With this diagnosis, patients are at risk of Aortic Stenosis (narrowing of the Aorta), Dilation of the Aorta, and "leakage" if the valve does not open or close properly.

The measurements today showed that Brooke has Borderline Dilation of the Aorta- she is right on that 'normal/abnormal' border for having dilation. 

What does this mean for Brooke?!!

NOTHING!! - at least not right now :)

She is now, and will forever be, a cardiac patient. Two years from now, and probably every two years from now on, she will have to have an Echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) to look at, and measure, the Aorta and Aortic Valve. If she were to develop any Stenosis or Dilation then the may prohibit her from playing contact sports, participating in strenuous excersice, etc.  He reassured us that her Aorta would have to be in extremely bad shape for them to even consider repairing/replacing it.

In the meantime, she is clear for surgery IF the Cleft Palate Team decides to repair that within the next few months and she is free to be a normal two year old!! Yay!!

The LORD is teaching me to trust Him- and of course, He is using my kids! I am at complete peace tonight as we have this minor diagnosis and am sure that Brooke is going to be fine! There is not anything that I can do or worry about that will change the path that the Lord set for her before the beginning of time. Praise be to Him for His wisdom and love for Brooke!

Thanks for the continued prayers from all of you- we see the Cleft Palate Team next week and the Geneticist the following week (with Shane's first birthday in the middle)!

Blessings to all!
-B

I added a couple of diagrams below for your viewing pleasure :)