Presentation of 3 cases of aortic valve stenosis and review of the literature
Carlier, J.
Revue Medicale de Liege 44(22): 665-693
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0370-629X PMID: 2692112 Document Number: 326685
Aortic stenosis is the most frequent form of valvular heart disease. Its etiology has changed due to a decreased incidence of rheumatic fever and an increase in longevity which favors valvular aortic stenosis due to calcification. In all cases, average survival at the time of the appearance of major symptoms is only a few years. Age is not a contraindication for valve replacement; however, it is necessary to consider increased surgical risk, although this is far less than the risk of spontaneous evolution. Valvuloplasty, while it provides only an incomplete opening and is often followed by restenosis, offers a palliative solution, especially for patients whose cardiac status is too advanced, or who are inoperable for another reason, or who refuse surgery.