Echocardiographic Evaluation of Aortic Atheromas in Patients With Aortic Stenosis

E. Vizzardi*, A. D'Aloia, E. Sciatti, I. Bonadei, S. Gelsomino, R. Lorusso, M. Metra

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

The association of aortic atheromas in patients with isolated aortic stenosis has recently been acknowledged, probably because the pathogenic mechanisms are similar. Therefore, this study evaluated the extent and severity of thoracic aortic atheromas in patients with different grades of aortic stenosis using transesophageal echocardiography.We retrospectively evaluated transesophageal echocardiographic examinations of 686 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of aortic stenosis. The prevalence and morphologic characteristics of atheromas in 3 segments of the thoracic aorta were assessed. Plaque thickness was measured at each segment, and the thickest plaque was used to establish severity. Atheromas were graded as mild, moderate, or severe according to plaque thickness (4 mm, respectively). Aortic stenosis was graded as mild, moderate, or severe on the basis of the gradient and anatomic aortic valve area (>1.5, 1.0-1.5, or
Original languageEnglish
JournalJournal of Ultrasound in Medicine
Volume34
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2015

Cite this