Abstract
The guideline provides a practical step-by-step guide in order to facilitate high-quality echocardiographic studies of patients with aortic stenosis. In addition, it addresses commonly encountered yet challenging clinical scenarios and covers the use of advanced echocardiographic techniques, including TOE and Dobutamine stress echocardiography in the assessment of aortic stenosis.
Highlights
Aortic valve stenosis is a significant health burden, in older individuals, with a prevalence of up to 5% in individuals over 75 years of age (1)
Aortic valve morphology - Tricuspid/bicuspid/unicuspid - Severity and extent of calcification left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) - Dimensions and velocity time integral (VTI) - Report any change in the LVOTd from previous studies Aortic stenosis severity - Aortic valve Vmax; mean gradient: include window from which maximal values were obtained - Change in Aortic valve maximal velocity (AV Vmax) from previous echo study - Aortic valve area - Description of severity Additional prognostic markers - Left ventricular ejection fraction - Global longitudinal strain - Indexed LV mass - High probability of pulmonary hypertension Aortic regurgitation – note presence and severity
The energy loss index (ELI) may be considered in patients with low-gradient AS: in such scenarios, the ELI can identify a subset of individuals who are at lower risk and can afford to be observed (60, 61)
Summary
Aortic valve stenosis is a significant health burden, in older individuals, with a prevalence of up to 5% in individuals over 75 years of age (1). The British Society of Echocardiography (BSE) has previously published a guideline document in order to facilitate high-quality echocardiography in the assessment of patients. Ensure that the management of patients with aortic valve disease is based around contemporary data and optimal echocardiographic assessment. In some situations, this BSE guidance differs from the most recent European or American guidelines (4, 5, 6). Patients in whom the valve displays no thickening or calcification, and functions normally at baseline, have an excellent prognosis with fewer than 20% requiring aortic valve surgery over 20 years follow-up. Such individuals only require infrequent echocardiographic surveillance. There is no consensus as to associations between the sub-type of BAV and the pattern of valve dysfunction or aortic dilatation (14, 15, 16)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
