Adult Echocardiography Practice Exam

Aortic stenosis is classified into three main types based on the underlying pathology of the condition. These types include:

1. **Congenital Aortic Stenosis**: This type often results from a congenital defect where the aortic valve is present with a reduced number of cusps, commonly seen as a bicuspid aortic valve rather than the normal trileaflet structure. This anatomical malformation leads to stenosis due to an inadequate opening during cardiac systole.

2. **Degenerative or Senile Aortic Stenosis**: More frequently encountered in older populations, this type is characterized by calcific degeneration of a normally trileaflet aortic valve. Age-related changes lead to a gradual buildup of calcium deposits on the valve cusps, resulting in stiffening and narrowing of the valve orifice.

3. **Rheumatic Aortic Stenosis**: This form results from rheumatic heart disease, where previous rheumatic fever damages the aortic valve, sometimes causing fusion of the valve leaflets. It typically occurs in patients with a history of rheumatic fever and can also involve other cardiac valves.

Understanding these classifications is crucial because they have different etiologies, progressions, and management strategies. Therefore,