Classification of Aortic Stenosis by Flow and Gradient Patterns Provides Insights into the Pathophysiology of Disease
OA Location
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Different patterns of flow and valve gradients can lead to diagnostic uncertainty about the severity of aortic stenosis (AS). Consecutive patients with severe AS (valve area <1 cm(2)) underwent echocardiography and computed tomography. Patients were classified into 4 groups (high-gradient/normal flow [HGNF], high-gradient/low flow [HGLF], low-gradient/normal flow [LGNF], and low-gradient/low flow [LGLF]). Low flow was defined as stroke volume index <35 mL/m(2) and low gradient as a mean aortic gradient <40 mm Hg. Aortic valve calcification (AVC) was calculated using the Agatston score. Of 181 patients, 56, 30, 46, and 49 had HGNF, HGLF, LGNF and LGLF with median AVC of 2048, 2015, 1366, and 1178 AU/m(2) (P < .0001) and valvuloarterial impedance of 4.5, 6.4, 4.2, and 5.9, respectively (P < .0001). Among those with LGLF, AVC was lower in patients with preserved compared to reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (1018 vs 2550 AU/m(2); P < .0001), but valvuloarterial impedance was similar (P = .33). The LGLF AS with preserved ejection fraction is associated with lower AVC and may identify patients with less severe AS in association with an adaptive ventricular response to high afterload.
Date Issued
2015-10-15
Date Acceptance
2015-10-15
Citation
Angiology, 2015, 67 (7), pp.664-669
ISSN
1940-1574
Publisher
SAGE Publications
Start Page
664
End Page
669
Journal / Book Title
Angiology
Volume
67
Issue
7
Copyright Statement
© The Author(s) 2015. Published by Sage Publications.
Sponsor
National Institute for Health Research
Grant Number
N/A
Subjects
aortic stenosis
cardiac computed tomography
echocardiography
valve calcification
Cardiovascular System & Hematology
1103 Clinical Sciences
Publication Status
Published