HISTOLOGICAL AND IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL STUDIES OF ATHEROSCLEROTIC AND SENILE CALCIFIC AORTIC VALVE STENOSIS

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Pathology
• Morphology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Senile and atherosclerotic aortic valve stenosis share pathological features.
• Understanding these overlaps is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the morphogenesis of aortic valve stenosis in senile and atherosclerotic valves.
• To define inflammatory processes and characterize atherosclerotic plaques.
• To improve diagnostic accuracy through morphological examination.

Main Methods:

• Macro- and microscopic examination of aortic valve leaflets from 65 patients (54-84 years).
• Histochemical and immunohistochemical studies using CD31 and VEGF markers.
• Differential diagnosis of calcification in atherogenic and idiopathic aortic stenosis.

Main Results:

• Senile aortic stenosis exhibits inflammatory cell infiltration and angiogenesis.
• High expression of endothelial growth factors (VEGF) was observed in aortic valve endothelial walls.
• Aortic valve lesions show sclera-fibrosis, inflammation, neovascularization, and calcification, similar to atherosclerotic stenosis.

Conclusions:

• Senile calcific aortic stenosis and atherosclerosis share key morphological features.
• Identifying overlapping clinical and morphological factors aids in developing treatment strategies.
• These findings are significant for managing aortic valve structure stability and post-operative care.