Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 19, 2025

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

3.6K

TAVR for low-flow, low-gradient aortic stenosis: Prognostic impact of aortic valve calcification

Sebastian Ludwig1, Alina Goßling1, Lara Waldschmidt1

  • 1Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany.

American Heart Journal
|June 6, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Aortic valve calcification density predicts better survival in low-flow, low-gradient aortic stenosis patients undergoing TAVR. This finding aids in selecting patients likely to benefit from the procedure.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Interventional Cardiology
  • Cardiac Imaging

Background:

  • Patients with low-flow, low-gradient aortic stenosis (AS) have higher mortality post-transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) compared to high-gradient AS.
  • Predictors of outcomes in this specific low-flow, low-gradient AS subset undergoing TAVR are not well-defined.
  • The study investigates the prognostic significance of aortic valve calcification (AVC) in this patient population.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prognostic impact of aortic valve calcification (AVC) quantification in patients with low-flow, low-gradient AS undergoing TAVR.
  • To identify distinct outcome predictors within the low-flow, low-gradient AS patient subset.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 526 patients undergoing TAVR for severe low-flow, low-gradient AS (290 low EF-LG AS, 236 paradoxical low-flow-LG AS).
  • Aortic valve calcification density (AVCdensity) quantified using contrast-enhanced multislice computed tomography.
  • Patients stratified by sex-specific AVCdensity tertiles; all-cause mortality assessed via Kaplan-Meier and multivariable analyses.

Main Results:

  • Higher AVCdensity correlated with higher baseline transvalvular gradients and increased paravalvular leak (PVL) post-TAVR.
  • High AVCdensity was associated with lower 1- and 3-year mortality in the low EF-LG AS group, but not in the paradoxical low-flow-LG AS group.
  • Multivariable analysis confirmed AVCdensity as an independent predictor of better survival in low EF-LG AS patients (HR 0.73; P=.0011).

Conclusions:

  • Aortic valve calcification quantification offers prognostic value beyond diagnostic utility in AS.
  • AVCdensity aids in selecting low-flow, low-gradient AS patients who are more likely to experience a beneficial outcome after TAVR.
  • The findings suggest AVCdensity is a key factor for improved survival prediction in specific low-flow, low-gradient AS subgroups.
Abstract

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

4.4K
Isolation of Human Primary Valve Cells for In vitro Disease Modeling07:31

Isolation of Human Primary Valve Cells for In vitro Disease Modeling

Published on: April 16, 2021

3.1K

Related Concept Videos

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT01:25

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT

Calcium-Scoring CT ScanA calcium-scoring CT scan, also known as coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan, detects calcium deposits in the coronary arteries. This test assesses the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), which can lead to cardiovascular events such as angina, heart failure, and sudden cardiac arrest.A calcium-scoring CT scan is generally recommended for individuals at intermediate risk of CAD without symptoms. It includes:Men aged 40-75 and women aged 50-75: Especially those with a...
279
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...
274
Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management01:25

Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management

Aortic regurgitation (AR) is when the aortic valve does not close or seal properly, leading to backward blood circulation from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole. Common causes of AR include rheumatic heart disease, congenital valve defects, and aortic root dilation. Managing AR requires a multifaceted approach to alleviate symptoms, preserve left ventricular function, and address the underlying cause of the regurgitation. Patients with symptomatic AR or significant left...
260
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...
312
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...
128
Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests01:23

Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests

Mitral stenosis is a heart condition in which the mitral valve, which allows blood to flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle, becomes narrowed or stenotic. This narrowing hinders blood flow and leads to clinical symptoms requiring specific medical evaluations and management strategies. The following overview outlines the clinical symptoms, assessments, diagnostic findings, prevention methods, and treatments for mitral stenosis.Clinical ManifestationsDyspnea (shortness of breath): This...
138