A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal

Valvulo-Arterial Impedance in Patients with Severe Aortic Stenosis and Bicuspid Aortic Valve




AuthorsNg, Chun Kit; Lopez Santi, Pilar; Fleury, Marie-Ange; He, Jingjing; Elmasry, Nadeem; Butcher, Steele C.; Clavel, Marie-Annick; Pibarot, Philippe; Bax, Jeroen J.; Ajmone Marsan, Nina

PublisherMDPI AG

Publication year2026

Journal: Journal of cardiovascular development and disease

Article number163

Volume13

Issue4

eISSN2308-3425

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.3390/jcdd13040163

Publication's open availability at the time of reportingOpen Access

Publication channel's open availability Open Access publication channel

Web address https://doi.org/10.3390/jcdd13040163

Self-archived copy’s web addresshttps://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/523193880

Self-archived copy's licenceCC BY

Self-archived copy's versionPublisher`s PDF


Abstract

Background: Risk stratification in patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) and severe aortic stenosis (AS) remains challenging. Valvulo-arterial impedance (Zva), an integrated marker of global left ventricular (LV) afterload, has shown prognostic value in tricuspid AS; however, data in BAV are limited. This study aimed to evaluate the association of Zva with LV remodeling, symptoms, and all-cause death in patients with BAV and severe AS.

Methods: In this retrospective, two-center cohort study, 147 patients with severe AS and BAV were included. Zva was calculated at the time of the first echocardiographic diagnosis of severe AS. The study endpoint was all-cause mortality.

Results: Over a median follow-up of 9.8 years, 24 patients (16%) died. A Zva threshold of 5 mmHg/mL/m2 was identified as optimal by ROC analysis. Patients with Zva ≥ 5 mmHg/mL/m2 showed higher mortality rates (29% vs. 10%; p = 0.003), more advanced symptoms (NYHA III-IV: 41% vs. 9%; p < 0.001), adverse LV remodeling, lower LVEF (60% (IQR 36–66) vs. 66% (IQR 61–71); p = 0.001), and worse LV global longitudinal strain (14.8% ± 2.7 vs. 16.5% ± 3.0; p = 0.016). Zva ≥ 5 mmHg/mL/m2 was independently associated with worse long-term survival after adjustment (HR 2.885; 95% CI 1.119–7.438; p = 0.028).

Conclusions: Among patients with BAV and severe AS, an increased Zva was associated with more advanced symptoms, adverse LV remodeling, impaired LV systolic function, and worse long-term survival, and might therefore help in risk stratification of these patients.


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This research received no external funding.


Last updated on 06/05/2026 08:42:41 AM