Aortic valve stenosis

Question 1

What is aortic valve stenosis?

Answer 1

Valvular heart disease characterized by narrowing of the aortic valve

Question 2

What are the causes of aortic valve stenosis?

Answer 2

(Congenital) Bicuspid aortic valve (from dystrophic calcification)
(Acquired) Calcific aortic stenosis, rheumatic heart disease

Question 3

What are the clinical features of aortic valve stenosis?

Answer 3

Asymptomatic in mild to moderate
Dyspnea
Angina pectoris
Dizziness and syncope
Small blood pressure amplitude, decreased pulse pressure
(Cardiac exam) delayed distal pulse (pulsus parvus et tardus), Palpable systolic thrill, Harsh crescendo-decrescendo (diamond-shaped), late systolic ejection murmur, Early systolic ejection click

Question 4

How is aortic valve stenosis diagnosed?

Answer 4

ECG (non-specific, signs of left ventricular hypertrophy (e.g., left axis deviation))
Chest X-ray
Echocardiography

Question 5

What is the treatment of aortic valve stenosis?

Answer 5

(Conservative management) of regular follow-up in mild cases
(Surgical) Aortic valve replacement (AVR)