MCQ – 87804

A 78-year-old man with a history of recurrent syncope undergoes surgery for aortic valve disease. A hard, markedly deformed valve is observed, but the patient expires during surgery. The aortic valve at autopsy is shown in the image. What is the appropriate diagnosis?

Correct Answer � C Explanation

Answer : C Calcific aortic stenosis

• The aortic valve shows calcific aortic stenosis in a three-cuspid valve in an

• elderly person. There is no commissural fusion. Calcific aortic stenosis refers to a narrowing of the aortic valve orifice as a result of the deposition of calcium in the valve cusps and ring. 

• There are three main causes of calcific aortic stenosis: 

a.rheumatic disease.

b.senile calcific stenosis, and 

c.congenital bicuspid aortic stenosis.

•  Calcific aortic stenosis is related to the cumulative effect of years of trauma due to turbulent blood flow around the valve. 

• Bicuspid aortic valve (choice B) is incorrect because three valve cusps are shown.