Background:
The impact of aortic valve replacement (AVR) versus medical management (MM) in patients with paradoxical low flow is unclear. The objective of this study was to compare outcomes of AVR versus MM in patients with severe aortic stenosis and normal ejection fraction and different transaortic flow and gradient.
Methods:
We identified consecutive patients presenting to our echo lab with an aortic valve area (AVA) < 1.0cm
2
and EF≥ 50%. We stratify patients depending on gradient (≥ 40 vs. < 40 mmHg) and stroke volume index (SVI < 35 vs. ≥35 ml/m
2
). 4 groups were identified (, normal flow, high gradient [NF/HG]; normal flow, low gradient [NF/LG]; low flow, high gradient [LF/HG] and low flow, low gradient [LF/LG]. These 4 groups were also stratified depending on management (AVR vs. MM). All patients were retrospectively followed for the occurrence of death.
Results:
A total of 954 patients were included in analysis. Mean follow up was 2.45 ± 1.9 years. The mean age was 75.4 ± 5.6 years. Comparing all 4 AS subgroups, the mortality was higher in LF/HG followed by LF/LG, NF/HG and NF/LG (LF/HG 37.1% vs. LF/LG 33.9% vs. NF/HG 30.3%vs. NF/LG 20.2%; Log Rank Test, P=0.003). Patients who underwent medical therapy have a higher mortality than the overall cohort in all subgroups (LF/HG 44.3% vs. NF/HG 36.6% vs. LF/LG 33.7% vs. NF/LG 21.2%; Log Rank Test, P=0.001). Patients with HG had a higher chance of getting aortic valve replacement (AVR) than those with LF/LG and NF/LG (20.7% NF/HG vs. 10.6% LF/HG vs. 4.7% LF/LG and 3.6% NF/LG; P=0.01). Patients who underwent AVR had lower mortality rates when compared with the overall cohort in all subgroups (LF/HG 21.4% vs. 18.9% NF/HG vs. 6.6% LF/LG and 7.1% NF/LG; Log Rank Test, P= 0.253).
Conclusion:
Patients with LF/LG represent an under-recognized high-risk group with similar prognosis to NF/HG. Although these patients may benefit tremendously from AVR, they are less likely to undergo AVR when compared to HG patients.
Causes of death and predictors of survival after aortic valve replacement in low flow vs. normal flow severe aortic stenosis with preserved ejection fraction
