Regression of hypertrophy after aortic valve replacement for chronic aortic regurgitation

ABSTRACT

Factors influencing magnitude of regression of left ventricular hypertrophy after successful aortic valve replacement have been studied in 20 patients with chronic aortic regurgitation by cardiac catheterization, echocardiography and left ventricular muscle biopsy. Patients with preoperative value of left ventricular end diastolic pressure >20 mmHg and/or left ventricular end systolic dimension >5.6 cm are less likely to have normalization of their left ventricular mass index following aortic valve replacement. Preoperative left ventricular mass index does not predict changes following aortic valve replacement. Increased amounts of interstitial fibrosis appear to be related to incomplete regression of left ventricular hypertrophy after aortic valve replacement