Assessing the Progression of Stage B Aortic Regurgitation: Are the Guidelines Right?

Results of a retrospective study of consecutive patients are reassuring.

Understanding patterns of progression of mild or moderate valvular disease (stage B, according to American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines) to severe lesions that may require intervention (stage C or D) would inform approaches to clinical surveillance. Regarding aortic regurgitation (AR), guidelines — based upon expert consensus but few data — recommend repeating transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) every 5 years for individuals with mild AR and every 1 to 2 years for those with moderate AR.

Investigators identified 1077 consecutive individuals with AR at stage B and without other significant left-sided valvular dysfunction (mean age, 66; 49% women; bicuspid aortic valve, 14%) with a baseline TTE and at least one …

Reviewing Author

Frederick A. Masoudi, MD, MSPH, FACC, FAHA

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardBristol Myers Squibb; CPC Clinical Research

Grant/Research SupportNational Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Editorial BoardsUpToDate; American College of Cardiology Self-Assessment Program (SAP)

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican College of Cardiology (Chair, Innovations Committee)