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Updated: May 26, 2026
06:51
A Minimally Invasive Model of Aortic Stenosis in Swine
Published on: October 20, 2023
[Dyspnea in aortic stenosis: appearances can be deceptive]
Bruno Cordeiro Piçarra1, Rita Miranda, Carlos Cotrim
1Serviço de Cardiologia, Hospital Espírito Santo, Évora, Portugal. bcpicarra@hotmail.com
Summary
Stress testing aids in evaluating aortic stenosis, revealing myocardial ischemia and intraventricular gradients. This case highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic value of stress exams in managing valvular aortic stenosis.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Valvular aortic stenosis is a prevalent valvular heart disease in Europe.
- Stress testing is recommended but underutilized in assessing aortic stenosis.
Observation:
- A 60-year-old man with abnormal ECG findings underwent stress testing.
- Initial tests revealed myocardial ischemia and moderate aortic stenosis.
Findings:
- Cardiac catheterization showed no coronary lesions but a significant intraventricular gradient (45 mmHg).
- Stress echocardiography demonstrated a marked increase in the intraventricular gradient under exertion (30 mmHg to 131 mmHg).
- Treatment with bisoprolol improved stress test duration and reduced the peak intraventricular gradient (36 mmHg).
Implications:
- Stress examinations are crucial for the diagnosis and management of patients with aortic stenosis.
- These tests can reveal hemodynamic changes not apparent at rest.
- Pharmacological stress testing may guide therapeutic strategies in valvular aortic stenosis.
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