Discrete subaortic stenosis in elderly women

Pier Giorgio Masci1, Francesca Rossi, Francesco Chiarella

  • 1Unità Operativa di Cardiologia, A.O. Santa Corona, Via XXV Aprile 128, 17027 Pietra Ligure, Italy. pgmasci@tiscali.it

Insights

Discrete subaortic stenosis (DSS), a heart condition, is typically seen in children but can occur in the elderly. This case highlights DSS in an older woman presenting with shortness of breath.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Congenital Heart Disease
  • Geriatric Cardiology

Background:

  • Discrete subaortic stenosis (DSS) is an acquired cardiac disorder with potential genetic and anatomic precursors.
  • DSS typically manifests in the first decade of life, causing left ventricular outflow tract obstruction and aortic regurgitation.
  • Historically, DSS has been considered a pediatric condition, with limited reports in adults and very few in the elderly.

Observation:

  • This report details a case of a discrete subaortic membranous ridge.
  • The patient was an elderly woman experiencing recent-onset dyspnea.
  • This presentation is unusual given the typical age of DSS onset.

Findings:

  • The case demonstrates that discrete subaortic stenosis can present in the elderly.
  • The subaortic ridge caused significant left ventricular outflow tract obstruction and secondary aortic regurgitation.
  • The patient's dyspnea was attributed to the hemodynamic consequences of the stenosis.

Implications:

  • This case expands the known clinical spectrum of discrete subaortic stenosis.
  • It emphasizes the importance of considering DSS in elderly patients with unexplained dyspnea or cardiac murmurs.
  • Further research may be needed to understand the prevalence and specific management of DSS in geriatric populations.

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