Abstract
Background Timing of aortic valve intervention is dependent on
the accuracy and reproducibility of echocardiographic (ECHO) parameters.
We aimed to assess haemodynamic subsets of aortic stenosis (AS), their
change over time, and variability of ECHO parameters. Method
This retrospective, longitudinal study compared sequential ECHO over 15
months to identify concordant or discordant aortic valve area (AVA) and
mean pressure gradient (MPG). Results We included 143 patients
with a mean age of 76.0 years. The median length of time between studies
was 112 days (IQR 38-208). Initially participants were classified as 10
(7.0%) mild, 49 (34.3%) moderate and 84 (58.7%) severe AS. In 80
(55.9%) AVA and MPG were concordant; stroke volume index (SVi) was
<35ml/m2 in 53 (74.6%). AS severity was downgraded in 33
(23.1%) patients. MPG was most consistent and AVA was the least
consistent between successive investigations (intraclass correlation
coefficients R=0.86 and R=0.76, respectively). Even small variations in
left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) measurement of 1 standard
deviation reclassified up to 67% of participants from severe to
non-severe. Conclusion Almost half of patients with AS have
valve area/gradient discordance. Variations in LVOT diameter measurement
commensurate with clinical practice reclassified AS severity in up to
2/3 of cases. Change in AS severity should only be accepted following
careful scrutiny of all available ECHO data.