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Challenges in Aortic Valve Stenosis: Low-Flow States Diagnosis, Management, and a Review of the Current Literature

  • Valvular Heart Disease (T Kiefer, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

We will describe and define the current diagnosis, management, and potential therapy for low-flow aortic stenosis (AS) states, as well as summarize the available evidence underlying these recommendations.

Recent Findings

Low-flow aortic stenosis syndromes have worse prognoses than traditionally defined normal flow severe aortic stenosis. In this setting, aortic valve replacement is the only therapy that improves outcomes. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement has an ever-expanding role in the treatment of aortic stenosis, and there is growing evidence that TAVR may be a preferred therapy for low-flow AS states.

Summary

Aortic stenosis remains one of the most common valvular diseases requiring therapy. Low-flow AS represents up to 40% of all patients with AS and is associated with significant mortality. This condition requires further testing for appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Low-flow AS states have poor prognoses, thus AVR and especially TAVR have a growing role in treatment of this challenging subset of AS patients.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Inova Heart and Vascular Institute, 3300 Gallows Rd. 1st floor Suite 1225, Falls Church, VA, 22042, USA

    Matthew W. Sherwood

  2. Duke Clinical Research Institute, 2400 Pratt Street, P.O. Box 17969, Durham, NC, 27715, USA

    Matthew W. Sherwood

  3. Division of Cardiology, Duke University Medical Center, 2301 Erwin Road, Durham, NC, 27710, USA

    Todd L. Kiefer

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  1. Matthew W. Sherwood
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Correspondence to Matthew W. Sherwood.

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Matthew W. Sherwood and Todd L. Kiefer declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Valvular Heart Disease

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Sherwood, M.W., Kiefer, T.L. Challenges in Aortic Valve Stenosis: Low-Flow States Diagnosis, Management, and a Review of the Current Literature. Curr Cardiol Rep 19, 130 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11886-017-0941-z

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