Hypoattenuated Leaflet Thickening: A Comprehensive Review of Contemporary Data.

J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth

Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System; Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, and Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston MA.

Published: November 2024

AI Article Synopsis

  • * HALT is usually asymptomatic and found incidentally but can lead to more serious issues like valve deterioration or immobility.
  • * There is ongoing debate about the clinical significance, screening, and management of HALT in these patients, highlighting the need for further research on risk factors and treatment options.

Article Abstract

Nearly one-third of patients who undergo surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) or transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) develop hypoattenuated leaflet thickening (HALT) within a year. HALT typically represents subclinical leaflet thrombosis in asymptomatic patients, and as a result it often is detected incidentally. However, HALT also may worsen in severity, resulting in leaflet immobility and/or valve deterioration. The clinical significance of HALT is a topic of ongoing debate, and currently there is no consensus on the screening and management of HALT in patients following TAVR or SAVR. This review provides a comprehensive evaluation of the available evidence on risk factors, preventative measures, treatment, and prognosis for this growing patient cohort.

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Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1053/j.jvca.2024.06.043DOI Listing

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