Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Investigating Aortic Valve Calcification via Isolation and Culture of T Lymphocytes using Feeder Cells from Irradiated Buffy Coat
04:30

Investigating Aortic Valve Calcification via Isolation and Culture of T Lymphocytes using Feeder Cells from Irradiated Buffy Coat

Published on: February 4, 2021

Calcific aortic valve and spontaneous embolic stroke: a review of literature

Vipin Khetarpal1, Nitin Mahajan, Ramesh Madhavan

  • 1Division of Cardiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI-48201, USA.

Journal of the Neurological Sciences
|August 29, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Aortic valve calcification is linked to stroke, but this connection is poorly understood. Further research is needed to clarify the association between aortic valve calcification and stroke risk.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Neurology
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Aortic valve calcification is prevalent in older adults and those with bicuspid aortic valves.
  • Unlike mitral valve disease, aortic valve calcification is not widely recognized as a stroke risk factor.
  • Autopsy studies suggest systemic embolism in a third of calcific aortic valve cases, but clinical data remain conflicting.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current literature on the association between aortic valve calcification and stroke.
  • To highlight the limited reported cases of symptomatic stroke due to cerebral thromboembolism from calcific aortic valves.
  • To discuss diagnostic modalities and the undefined management strategies for this condition.

Main Methods:

  • Focused literature review.
  • Analysis of existing studies on aortic valve calcification and stroke.
  • Review of diagnostic imaging techniques like CT angiography and MRI.

Main Results:

  • Limited documented cases (8) of symptomatic stroke from cerebral thromboembolism linked to aortic valve calcification.
  • Conflicting data from clinical studies regarding the association between aortic valve calcification and stroke.
  • Diagnostic imaging (CT, MRI) plays a key role in identifying calcific embolism and ischemic extent.

Conclusions:

  • The relationship between aortic valve calcification and stroke requires further investigation.
  • Management strategies, including antiplatelet therapy, anticoagulation, and valve replacement, are not well-defined.
  • Enhanced understanding is crucial for patient care and risk stratification.

More Related Videos

Isolation of Mouse Interstitial Valve Cells to Study the Calcification of the Aortic Valve In Vitro05:47

Isolation of Mouse Interstitial Valve Cells to Study the Calcification of the Aortic Valve In Vitro

Published on: May 10, 2021

Related Concept Videos

Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction01:15

Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction

Ischemic stroke is an acute cerebrovascular condition in which blood flow to a brain region is suddenly interrupted, leading to tissue infarction. Neurons depend on continuous oxygen and glucose supply, so even brief reductions in perfusion cause energy failure, ionic imbalance, and irreversible injury. Ischemic strokes are classified into thrombotic and embolic types based on their underlying mechanisms.Thrombotic MechanismsThrombotic stroke develops when a clot forms within a cerebral artery.
Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction01:15

Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction

IntroductionAortic regurgitation is characterized by the backward flow of blood from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole and arises from the improper closure of the aortic valve. This condition results in left ventricular volume overload and can stem from both acute and chronic etiologies, each contributing uniquely to the disease's progression and symptomatology.Acute and Chronic CausesAcute aortic regurgitation often results from events that suddenly impair the integrity of the...
Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology01:29

Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology

A hemorrhagic stroke develops when a cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to escape into the surrounding brain tissue, as in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), or into the subarachnoid space, as in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Because the skull is a rigid compartment, the sudden presence of extravascular blood rapidly increases intracranial pressure and compresses adjacent neural structures, leading to immediate tissue injury and impaired cerebral perfusion.Mass Effect and Primary...
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:21

Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Thoracic, aortic arch and abdominal aneurysms are significant vascular conditions that can present with various clinical manifestations and lead to serious complications. Understanding these manifestations and the appropriate diagnostic studies is essential for effective management and treatment.Thoracic Aortic AneurysmsThoracic aortic aneurysms often remain asymptomatic until they reach a size that impinges on adjacent structures. They typically cause deep, diffuse chest pain that radiates to...
Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:22

Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Aortic valve regurgitation (AR) occurs when the aortic valve fails to close properly, allowing blood to flow backward from the aorta into the left ventricle. This backflow can result in two distinct clinical presentations: acute and chronic AR, each characterized by its own set of symptoms and physical findings.Acute Aortic RegurgitationAcute AR presents with a sudden onset of severe symptoms. Patients typically experience profound dyspnea (shortness of breath), chest pain, and signs of left...
Stroke: Introduction and Types01:29

Stroke: Introduction and Types

A stroke is an acute neurological event caused by the sudden disruption of cerebral blood flow, leading to rapid loss of neuronal function. Neurons depend on continuous oxygen and glucose supply, so even brief interruptions can cause irreversible injury within minutes. Strokes are classified into ischemic and hemorrhagic types.Ischemic StrokeIschemic strokes are most common and occur due to arterial occlusion, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. This leads to energy failure, ionic...