Aortic sclerosis echocardiography

Overview
Aortic sclerosis is defined based on transthoracic echocardiographic findings which include irregular leaflet thickening and focal valve thickening with associated increase in echogenicity.

Echocardiographic Features

 * Focal areas of valve thickening with associated increase in echogenicity is the hallmark of aortic sclerosis, as opposed to diffuse thickening observed as a part of normal aging
 * Aortic side of the valve in the center of the valve cusp is commonly affected
 * Commissural areas are spared
 * Calcific nodules at the base of leaflets
 * Leaflet mobility is normal

Hemodynamic Parameters

 * Valvular hemodynamic parameters are normal
 * Normal trans-valvular Doppler velocity (Vmax <2 m/s)
 * Although, the valve is calcified, the jet flow velocity of ≤ 2.5 m per sec without a significant gradient across the valve

Progression to Aortic Stenosis
Echocardiographic indicators of progression of aortic sclerosis to aortic stenosis include:
 * Restricted leaflet mobility
 * Increased echogenicity suggestive of increase leaflet calcification
 * Increase in jet flow velocity across the valve