[Aortic stenosis in old age - a diagnostic problem]

From 1973 to 1978 in the dissection material of the Medical Clinic in 78 deceased a stenosis of the aortic valve was diagnosed. Clinically diagnosed was the failure of the aortic valve, however, only in 33 cases. The retrospective analysis of the dissection material showed from the clinical point of view that the old age of the patients at admission (x = 70 years), the short stay in the ward and the reduced general condition were factors which rendered difficult the diagnosis of a stenosis of the aortic valve. On the basis of our results we are of the opinion that when a systolic murmur is present above the basis in connection with signs of the load of the left heart in the ECG in every case the diagnosis of the stenosis of the aortic valve is to be included into the diagnostic considerations also when a picture of heart complaints is not present in older persons.