Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 4, 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

Blood vessels and lymphatics in calcific aortic stenosis--in support of its inflammatory pathogenesis

I Steiner1, L Krbal, J Dominik

  • 1The Fingerland Department of Pathology, Charles University Faculty of Medicine and Faculty Hospital Hradec Králové, Czech Republic. steiner@lfhk.cuni.cz

Ceskoslovenska Patologie
|February 1, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Calcific aortic stenosis (CAS), a common heart valve disease, involves inflammation. This study found blood and lymphatic vessels with inflammatory cells in diseased aortic valves, supporting an inflammatory cause for CAS.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Pathology
  • Immunology
  • Vascular Biology

Background:

  • Calcific aortic stenosis (CAS) is the most prevalent acquired valvular heart disease in developed nations.
  • CAS is increasingly recognized as an inflammatory process, akin to atherosclerosis.
  • Etiologically, CAS is typically categorized as senile (degenerative) or related to a bicuspid aortic valve.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence and significance of vascularization and inflammation within calcified aortic valve cusps.
  • To compare the vascular and inflammatory patterns in senile versus bicuspid aortic valve types of CAS.
  • To provide evidence supporting the inflammatory theory of CAS pathogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Histological examination and immunohistochemistry were performed on 28 human calcific aortic stenosis cases.
  • Specific markers CD31 (for blood vessels) and D2-40 (for lymphatics) were utilized.
  • Cases were classified into senile, bicuspid, or indeterminable types.

Main Results:

  • Blood vessels were identified in all 28 examined calcified aortic valve cusps.
  • Lymphatic vessels were present in 14 of the cases.
  • Vascularization was consistently associated with lymphocytic infiltrates in 24 cases, irrespective of CAS type.

Conclusions:

  • The presence of both blood and lymphatic vessels, alongside inflammatory cell infiltration, in calcified aortic cusps strongly supports an inflammatory mechanism in CAS pathogenesis.
  • These findings contribute to understanding the etiology of this common valvular disease.
  • The vascular and inflammatory patterns did not differ significantly between senile and bicuspid aortic valve types.

More Related Videos

Calcification of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Imaging of Aortic Calcification and Inflammation08:43

Calcification of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Imaging of Aortic Calcification and Inflammation

Published on: May 31, 2016

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

Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology01:26

Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) originates from a series of events that impair the function of coronary arteries, the blood vessels responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. The pathophysiology of CAD is closely linked to atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory and lipid-driven condition affecting the vascular endothelium.1. Endothelial DamageThe process begins with damage to the vascular endothelium, which serves as a protective barrier between the blood and the vessel...
Atherosclerosis I: Introduction01:30

Atherosclerosis I: Introduction

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder characterized by the buildup of plaques on the arterial inner wall, causing them to narrow and harden over time. These plaques comprise lipids, calcium, blood components, carbohydrates, and fibrous tissue. The process primarily affects the intima of large and medium-sized arteries, reducing blood flow in any artery.Etiology and risk factorsThe cause of atherosclerosis is multifactorial, involving a complex interplay among endothelial injury, lipid...
Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) predominantly results from atherosclerosis, which involves the accumulation of fatty deposits, or plaques, within the walls of arteries. This causes them to narrow and harden, significantly reducing blood flow. PAD predominantly affects the legs, particularly the arteries supplying the thighs and calves. In rare cases, it may involve other arteries, including those in the arms.Etiology of PAD:The principal cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, which results from fatty...
Inflammation01:38

Inflammation

Overview
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...
Chronic Inflammation: Introduction01:12

Chronic Inflammation: Introduction

Chronic inflammation is a prolonged, dysregulated immune response that persists for weeks to years when the inciting stimulus is difficult to eradicate or when self‑antigens drive ongoing reactivity. Morphologically, it is defined by mononuclear cell infiltration, progressive tissue destruction, and concurrent attempts at healing via angiogenesis and fibrosis. Compared with acute inflammation, edema is less prominent while cellular infiltration predominates; triggers include persistent...