Inconsistent echocardiographic grading of aortic stenosis: is the left ventricular outflow tract important?

Objective: Discrepancy in the echocardiographic severity grading of aortic stenosis (AS) based on current guidelines has been reported. We sought to investigate the left ventricular outflow tract diameter (LVOTd) as a source of inconsistencies, and to explore hypothetical alternatives for discrepancy improvement.

Design: Retrospective echocardiographic cross-sectional analysis.

Incidence of aortic complications in patients with bicuspid aortic valves.

Context: Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV), the most common congenital heart defect, has been thought to cause frequent and severe aortic complications; however, long-term, population-based data are lacking.

Objective: To determine the incidence of aortic complications in patients with BAV in a community cohort and in the general population.

Design, Setting, And Participants: In this retrospective cohort study, we conducted comprehensive assessment of aortic complications of patients with BAV living in a population-based setting in Olmsted County, Minnesota.

Progress in the treatment of severe mitral regurgitation.

Organic mitral regurgitation (MR) is prevalent in the general population. Disease progression, involving potentially irreversible left ventricular dysfunction, implies a poor prognosis for patients who do not receive appropriate treatment. Immediate rescue surgery is indicated in those with severe MR in whom subclinical left ventricular dysfunction is suggested by echocardiographic measurements or the presence of symptoms, however minor.