98%
921
2 minutes
20
Aims: In calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD), progressive valvular sclerosis and calcification cause narrowing of the orifice and an impairment of the valve's function. We applied high-resolution cine-MRI to perform quantitative analysis of the dynamics of the aortic valve in a mice model of CAVD.
Methods And Results: LDLr ApoB mice were fed a Western diet (WD) or a standard diet (control) for 22 weeks. The mice were imaged in a 7 T horizontal MRI scanner, and aortic valve dynamics was examined by imaging the cross-section of the aorta at valve level using cine sequences. From these images, the area of the aortic valve orifice was determined during the heart cycle. MRI results were compared with echocardiographic and histopathologic results. The data revealed evidence of clear aortic valve dysfunction in WD mice as compared with control mice (interaction P < 0.001). MRI showed narrowing (14%, P < 0.05) of the orifice area, and this was also seen in histology (34%, P < 0.05), indicating more severe aortic stenosis after WD than in controls. Additionally, MRI revealed a reduction in the ejection fraction (EF) (-11%, P < 0.01), a result confirmed with echocardiography (-27%, P < 0.001) in mice fed with WD. EF detected by MRI and echocardiography also correlated strongly with the degree of stenosis assessed by histology.
Conclusions: Cine-MRI can be used for quantitative analysis of the aortic valve orifice over the cardiac cycle in mice. MRI showed the cusps clearly, and we were able to detect aortic valve dysfunction over time through the cardiac cycle.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
---|---|
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/nbm.4108 | DOI Listing |
Herz
September 2025
Department of Cardiology, Heart Center Leipzig, University of Leipzig, Strümpellstraße 39, 04289, Leipzig, Deutschland.
Since the earliest studies on transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), the heart team concept has been an integral component of treatment planning for patients with aortic valve stenosis (AS). The primary objective is to ensure patient-specific, guideline-based treatment through the structured involvement of all relevant medical disciplines. The TAVI heart team is strongly recommended with a class I indication in both European and US clinical guidelines.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMinerva Cardiol Angiol
September 2025
Norwich Medical School, Bob Champion Research and Education, Rosalind Franklin Road, Norwich, UK -
Introduction: Whilst aortic stenosis remains the most prevalent valvular abnormality, the management of asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis remains a clinical challenge. Recently, two randomised-controlled trials (RCTs) - EVOLVED (Early Intervention in Patients With Asymptomatic Severe Aortic Stenosis and Myocardial Fibrosis) and Early TAVR (Transcatheter Aortic-Valve Replacement for Asymptomatic Severe Aortic Stenosis) - have been published, alongside an extended follow-up from the AVATAR (Aortic Valve Replacement Versus Conservative Treatment in Asymptomatic Severe Aortic Stenosis) study.
Evidence Acquisition: In response, we conducted a systematic review of PubMed, Ovid, and Cochrane databases, identifying RCTs up to October 29, 2024, that compared early intervention with conventional management.
ASAIO J
September 2025
From the Department of Cardiac Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan.
We describe a modified Park's stitch technique incorporating systematic free margin alignment to achieve complete elimination of aortic regurgitation in patients with a left ventricular assist device. The technique involves a two-step approach: first, free margin alignment of all three cusps using single interrupted 6-0 polypropylene sutures placed at the nodules of Arantius to achieve precise coaptation, followed by conventional Park's stitch using mattress sutures with autologous pericardial pledgets for central closure. The alignment sutures remain in place to provide reinforcement.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJCI Insight
September 2025
Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine.
Aortic valve stenosis is a progressive and increasingly prevalent disease in older adults, with no approved pharmacologic therapies to prevent or slow its progression. Although genetic risk factors have been identified, the contribution of epigenetic regulation remains poorly understood. Here, we demonstrated that histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) maintains aortic valve structure by suppressing mitochondrial biogenesis and preserving extracellular matrix integrity in valvular interstitial fibroblasts.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJTCVS Open
August 2025
Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa.
Objective: Valve selection in acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) requiring aortic root replacement is challenging given the clinical acuity, unknown patient preferences, risk of surgical bleeding, and limited life expectancy. We sought to identify long-term outcomes of mechanical versus bioprosthetic aortic root replacement in young patients with ATAAD.
Methods: Retrospective review of our institution's database of ATAAD was conducted to identify patients aged 65 years and younger who underwent mechanical Bentall (mech-Bentall) or bioprosthetic Bentall (bio-Bentall) for ATAAD from 2002 to 2022.