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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
Summary
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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