scholarly journals Aortic stenosis: From diagnosis to optimal treatment

2008 ◽  
Vol 136 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 176-180 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dragan Tavciovski ◽  
Zaklina Davicevic
Keyword(s):  
Aortic Valve ◽  
Aortic Stenosis ◽  
Severe Aortic Stenosis ◽  
Preoperative Evaluation ◽  
Bone Matrix ◽  
Inflammatory Cells ◽  
Optimal Time ◽  
Heart Catheterization ◽  
Exercise Tests ◽  
Aortic Sclerosis

Aortic stenosis is the most frequent valvular heart disease. Aortic sclerosis is the first characteristic lesion of the cusps, which is considered today as the process similar to atherosclerosis. Progression of the disease is an active process leading to forming of bone matrix and heavily calcified stiff cusps by inflammatory cells and osteopontin. It is a chronic, progressive disease which can remain asymptomatic for a long time even in the presence of severe aortic stenosis. Proper physical examination remains an essential diagnostic tool in aortic stenosis. Recognition of characteristic systolic murmur draws attention and guides further diagnosis in the right direction. Doppler echocardiography is an ideal tool to confirm diagnosis. It is well known that exercise tests help in stratification risk of asymptomatic aortic stenosis. Serial measurements of brain natriuretic peptide during a follow-up period may help to identify the optimal time for surgery. Heart catheterization is mostly restricted to preoperative evaluation of coronary arteries rather than to evaluation of the valve lesion itself. Currently, there is no ideal medical treatment for slowing down the disease progression. The first results about the effect of ACE inhibitors and statins in aortic sclerosis and stenosis are encouraging, but there is still not enough evidence. Onset symptoms based on current ACC/AHA/ESC recommendations are I class indication for aortic valve replacement. Aortic valve can be replaced with a biological or prosthetic valve. There is a possibility of percutaneous aortic valve implantation and transapical operation for patients that are contraindicated for standard cardiac surgery.

scholarly journals Native-valve Enterococcus hirae endocarditis: a case report and review of the literature

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary E. Pinkes ◽  
Catherine White ◽  
Cynthia S. Wong
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Aortic Valve ◽  
Aortic Stenosis ◽  
Severe Aortic Stenosis ◽  
Heart Catheterization ◽  
Enterococcus Hirae ◽  
Native Valve ◽  
Maldi Tof ◽  
Sternal Border ◽  
The Right

Abstract Background Enterococcus hirae is rarely identified in humans and may be a commensal pathogen in psittacine birds. We present the fifth known case of E. hirae endocarditis. Case presentation A 64-year-old Caucasian female presented with fever, hypotension, atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response, and a two-week history of lightheadedness. Her previous medical history included COPD, recurrent DVT, atrial fibrillation (on warfarin), hypertension, hypothyroidism, and Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Physical exam was notable for expiratory wheezes and a 2/6 systolic ejection murmur at the right sternal border. 2D echocardiogram revealed severe aortic stenosis. The patient underwent right and left heart catheterization, where she was found to have severe aortic stenosis and mild pulmonary hypertension. She subsequently underwent minimally invasive aortic valve replacement with a bovine pericardial valve, bilateral atrial cryoablation, and clipping of the left atrial appendage. Her aortic valve was found to have a bicuspid, thickened appearance with calcifications, multiple small vegetations, and a root abscess beneath the right coronary cusp. With a new suspicion of infective endocarditis, the patient was placed on broad-spectrum IV antibiotics. Intra-operative blood cultures were negative. A tissue culture from the aortic valve vegetations identified Enterococcus hirae susceptible to ampicillin through MALDI-TOF. Antibiotic treatment was then switched to IV ampicillin and ceftriaxone; she declined aminoglycoside treatment due to toxicity concerns. The patient had an uncomplicated postoperative course and was discharged with 6 weeks of antibiotics. To date, she continues to be followed with no signs of relapsing disease. Conclusions To our knowledge, this case constitutes the fifth known case of E. hirae endocarditis, and the second case to have been identified with MALDI-TOF and treated with ampicillin and ceftriaxone. This case reinforces the efficacy of ampicillin and ceftriaxone for the treatment of E. hirae endocarditis.

scholarly journals Medical treatments in aortic stenosis: Role of statins and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors

2010 ◽  
Vol 63 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 82-85 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zaklina Davicevic ◽  
Dragan Tavciovski ◽  
Radomir Matunovic
Keyword(s):  
Aortic Stenosis ◽  
Disease Progression ◽  
Enzyme Inhibitors ◽  
Severe Aortic Stenosis ◽  
Bone Matrix ◽  
Valve Surgery ◽  
Western World ◽  
Converting Enzyme ◽  
Converting Enzyme Inhibitors ◽  
Aortic Sclerosis

Calcific arotic stenosis and atherosclerosis. Aortic stenosis is the most frequent valvular heart disease in-western world and its incidence continues to rise. Aortic sclerosis is the first characteristic lesion of the cusps, which is today considered a process similar to atherosclerosis. The progression of the disease is an active process leading to forming of bone matrix and heavily calcified stiff cusps by inflammatory cells and osteopontin. Aortic stenosis is a chronic, progressive disease which can remain asymptomatic for a long time even in the presence of severe aortic stenosis. Medical treatment for aortic stenosis. The need for alternative to aortic valve surgery is highlighted by increasing longevity of the population and new therapeutic strategies to limit disease progression are needed to delay or potentially avoid, the need for valve surgery. Currently, there are no established disease modifying treatments in regard to the progression of aortic stenosis. The first results about influence of angiotenzin-converting enzyme inhibitors and statins on aortic sclerosis and stenosis progression are promising. Statins are likely to reduce cardiovascular events rather than disease progression, but may be potentially a valuable preventive treatment in these patients. The prejudice against the use of angiotenzin-converting enzyme inhibitors by patients with aortic stenosis is changing. The cautious use of angiotenzin-converting enzyme inhibition by patients with concomitant hypertension, coronary artery disease, and heart failure seems appropriate. Definite evidence from large clinical trials is awaited.

The Ross-Konno Procedure as Reoperative Treatment in a Young Adult with Congenital Aortic Stenosis

2012 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 182
Author(s):  
Fotios A. Mitropoulos ◽  
Meletios A. Kanakis ◽  
Sotiria C. Apostolopoulou ◽  
Spyridon Rammos ◽  
Constantine E. Anagnostopoulos
Keyword(s):  
Young Adult ◽  
Aortic Valve ◽  
Aortic Stenosis ◽  
Aortic Valve Replacement ◽  
Severe Aortic Stenosis ◽  
Young Patients ◽  
Uneventful Recovery ◽  
Ross Procedure ◽  
Congenital Aortic Stenosis ◽  
Biological Prostheses

<p>Mechanical and biological prostheses are valid options when aortic valve replacement is necessary. The Ross procedure is also an alternative solution, especially for young patients.</p><p>We describe the case of a young patient with congenital aortic stenosis and bicuspid aortic valve who presented with dyspnea on exertion. An open commissurotomy was performed, and within 8 months the patient developed recurrent symptoms of severe aortic stenosis. He underwent redo sternotomy and a Ross-Konno procedure with an uneventful recovery.</p>

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