Asymptomatic patients with severe aortic stenosis and the impact of intervention

Objectives the exact timing of aortic valve replacement (AVR) in asymptomatic patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) remains a matter of debate. Therefore, we described the natural history of asymptomatic patients with severe AS, and the effect of AVR on long-term survival. Methods: Asymptomatic patients who were found to have severe AS between June 2006 and May 2009 were included. Severe aortic stenosis was defined as peak aortic jet velocity Vmax ≥ 4.0 m/s or aortic valve area (AVA) ≤ 1 cm² . Development of symptoms, the incidence of AVR, and all-cause mortality were assessed. Results: A total of 59 asymptomatic patients with severe AS were followed, with a mean follow-up of 8.9 ± 0.4 years. A total of 51 (86.4%) patients developed AS related symptoms, and subsequently 46 patients underwent AVR. The mean 1-year, 2-year, 5-year, and 10-year overall survival rates were higher in patients receiving AVR compared to those who did not undergo AVR during follow-up (100%, 93.5%, 89.1%, and 69.4%, versus 92.3%, 84.6%, 65.8%, and 28.2%, respectively; p < 0.001). Asymptomatic patients with severe AS receiving AVR during follow-up showed an incremental benefit in survival of up to 31.9 months compared to conservatively managed patients (p = 0.002). Conclusions: The majority of asymptomatic patients turn symptomatic during follow-up. AVR during follow-up is associated with better survival in asymptomatic severe AS patients.