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Aortic Valve Sclerosis — EECC MCQ

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EasyValvular Heart DiseaseAortic Valve SclerosisEECC

A 82-year-old woman has echocardiographic findings of an aortic valve that is thickened and calcified with a peak velocity of 2.2 m/s and mean gradient of 12 mmHg. She has no symptoms. What is the correct terminology and clinical significance?

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Correct answer: E — Aortic valve sclerosis — associated with increased cardiovascular risk but does not currently require intervention or surveillance as for aortic stenosis

Aortic sclerosis is defined as thickening and calcification of the aortic valve without significant obstruction (peak velocity <2.5 m/s, mean gradient <20 mmHg). It is common in the elderly (present in ~25% of those >65 years). While it does not require the surveillance protocol used for aortic stenosis, the Cardiovascular Health Study demonstrated that aortic sclerosis is independently associated with a ~50% increase in cardiovascular mortality, likely reflecting shared atherosclerotic risk factors. Clinical management involves cardiovascular risk factor optimisation. Progression to aortic stenosis occurs in approximately 2% per year.

Reference: ESC/EACTS (2025): Guidelines for the Management of Valvular Heart Disease