Aortic Valve Stenosis-Merkin Flashcards
Types of location aortic stenosis
From least to most common: Supravalvular, Descrete subvalvular (DSS), Valvular
In congenital aortic stenosis, which congenital cuspid state is generally involved?
Most severe: unicuspid. Most common: bicuspid. Also: tricuspid or fused or quadricuspid.
What can be seen of the valve in a longitudinal echo?
Only 2 cusps.
What can be seen in a cross-sectional/short-axis echo?
All 3 cusps.
What is seen in aortic stenosis on an echo?
Less laminar flow leads to turbulence, calcification and fibrosis of valve leading to AS.
Types of acquired aortic stenosis
Rheumatic, degenerative/senile (most common, increased incidence with age), atherosclerotic (usually with familial dyslipidemia
Pathophysiology of aortic valve disease
- Gradual obstruction of LV outflow, 2. Increased intraventricular pressure, 3. Concentric LVH, 4. Maintained CO with increased EDP
In severe aortic stenosis, what usually brings on symptoms?
CO fails to rise normally during exercise. Later, CO declines at rest and CHF ensues.
Clinical manifestations of aortic stenosis
Long latent period, cardinal manifestations: angina pectoris (d/t decreased coronary flow, usually only on exercise), syncope (can’t increase circulation to brain effectively), heart failure (dyspnea d/t LVF)
What appears on a physical exam of aortic stenosis?
Pulsus tardus and parvus, systolic thrill, A2, ejection systolic mumur
Pulsus tardus et parvus
Upstroke of pulse is slow and weak/small.
What is systolic thrill?
Flow through valve turbulant, fingers over aortic oscultation point will be able to feel thrill (murmur).
Heart sounds in aortic stenosis
S2 will be increased in a young person whose valve is still pliable, in elderly person will be calcified and more muffled. Sometimes hear S4 sound.
Aortic stenosis murmur
Middle of systole, diamond shaped (louder then softer)
What lab tests should be performed in aortic stenosis?
ECG (LVH, conduction abnormalities), CXR, angiography, Echo
What test is done to follow up on aortic stenosis patients?
Echo, angiography is too invasive and expensive.
What is the definition of a mild aortic stenosis?
Jet velocity 1.5cm^2
What is the definition of severe aortic stenosis?
Jet velocity >4.0, Mean gradient >40mmHg, Valve area
What is the medical management of aortic stenosis?
Report symptoms, repeat echo, antibiotic propphylaxis not usually recommended. No medical treatment to prevent progression.
What is the primary determinant for need for aortic valve replacement?
Symptoms. No treatment for asymptomatic patient unless LV dysfunction.
What related condition should be treated with aortic stenosis?
Left ventricular dysfunction. Treat with ACE inhibitors but need to be careful with increasing vasodilation not to reach syncope.