The clinical challenge of concomitant aortic and mitral valve stenosis

Acta Cardiol. 2016 Feb;71(1):3-6. doi: 10.2143/AC.71.1.3132091.

Abstract

The coexistence of mitral and aortic stenosis is not exceptional. Whereas rheumatic fever is currently plummeting in the Western countries, the incidence of degenerative disease is inversely increasing. The haemodynamic interactions which may interfere both with the usual echocardiographic parameters and with the invasive assessment may render the diagnosis difficult. The therapeutic challenges raised by this entity should not be underestimated. The increased morbidity and mortality of multivalvular surgery has to be balanced with the risk of a second operation down the line if one valvular involvement, deemed of a lesser importance, is neglected. This complex situation requires the multidisciplinary approach of a heart team involving surgeons, cardiologists, geriatrists if need be and imaging specialists.

Keywords: Aortic stenosis | mitral stenosis | valvular heart disease | multiple valve disease | cardiac imaging.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aortic Valve Stenosis / complications*
  • Aortic Valve Stenosis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Aortic Valve Stenosis / mortality
  • Aortic Valve Stenosis / surgery
  • Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation / methods
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Italy / epidemiology
  • Mitral Valve Stenosis / complications*
  • Mitral Valve Stenosis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Mitral Valve Stenosis / mortality
  • Mitral Valve Stenosis / surgery
  • Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement / methods
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ultrasonography