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Severe aortic stenosis — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

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HardInternal Medicine (Chronic Management)Severe aortic stenosisUSMLE Step 3

A 79-year-old has exertional syncope and dyspnea. Echocardiography shows severe calcific aortic stenosis with valve area 0.7 cm². What is the best next step?

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Correct answer: A — Refer to a heart-valve team for intervention evaluation and shared decision-making

Symptomatic severe aortic stenosis needs prompt valve-intervention evaluation. Medical therapy may treat comorbidity but does not correct the mechanical obstruction.

Reference: ACC/AHA Guideline for Valvular Heart Disease: https://www.acc.org/Guidelines