Connect
Severe Aortic Valve Stenosis
Hi,
I am just concerned with my wife situation: She is 72 years old, on accord to the cardiologist, the Echocardiogram results are: “Possible bicuspid aortic valve/ Severe aortic valve stenosis-Currently seemingly asymptomatic, though likely nearing time for intervention",
The Doctor ordered a blood test, CT of the aorta and echocardiogram in about 6 months and because she is asymptomatic, she will follow up in 12 months.
So, my question to you is: why to wait to the symptoms to schedule a surgery, wouldn’t be more risky surgery?
Any suggestion or idea will be greatly appreciated, thanks
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Heart & Blood Health Support Group.
Connect
ce324, You might consider consulting another cardiac surgeon. https://www.ccjm.org/content/83/4/271
The transcatheter surgeries are much easier, but you need someone experienced. I'd want to proceed instead of having a surgery under emergency conditions on some holiday when the only surgeon available is exhausted.
I'd repeat the echo, with the new consult, Sometimes the sonographer doesn't have a lot of experience either.
Like you, I wouldn't be waiting six months. Your wife is blessed to have your careful attention.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions@gently I agree. The descriptor 'severe' implies some urgency....not an emergency...but let's get onto this right away to get the ball rolling for surgery. That would be my preference.
@gently
As you mentioned, that was my question: why to wait?, Her answer was: because it could be another issue that won't need the mentioned surgery.
But what other issue could be? for better understanding,
Here are the test results:
Echocardiograms –
7/31/2025 - LVEF 60-65%, severe AS (peak 108, mean 72, DVI 0.17, AVA 0.5), PAP 25. AsAo 4.4
• Left Ventricle: Left ventricle size is normal. Moderate concentric hypertrophy present. Normal systolic function with an estimated EF of 60 - 65%.
• Right Ventricle: Right ventricle size is normal. Normal systolic function.
• Aortic Valve: No aortic regurgitation. Severe aortic stenosis. AV peak gradient is 108 mmHg. AV mean gradient is 72 mmHg. Dimensionless index by peak velocity is 0.17. Dimensionless index by VTI is 0.15. AV area by continuity equation is 0.5 cm2. AV area continuity by peak velocity is 0.6 cm2.
• Tricuspid Valve: Trace tricuspid regurgitation. The RVSP is estimated to be 25 mmHg.
• Aorta: Moderately dilated ascending aorta. Mildly dilated sinus of Valsalva (aortic root). The sinus of Valsalva measures 3.8 cm (Z-score ). The ascending aorta measures 4.4 cm (Z-score ).
ce324, you deserve to know what the other issue issue is. You might fax a letter to her or call and ask for a return call.
Why wait six months for retesting? Are we waiting for symptoms to prove the diagnosis?
Does the doctor think that the "other" issue might resolve in six months?
I've read about inaccurate echocardiograms that leave people in a panic. I hope it is an inaccurate echo.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448198/