Quantitating myocardial fibrosis with CT predicts outcomes in patients with severe aortic stenosis

What is it about?

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) is a common procedure in patients with severe aortic stenosis. While the procedure itself is mostly successful, some patients may not benefit from it in the long-term, as non-reversible fibrosis has already developed within the myocardial tissue. In those cases, TAVI might be futile. In this study, we indeed found an association between fibrosis (quantitated by extracellular volume on CT) and adverse outcomes.

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Why is it important?

Invasive procedures are not risk free, especially in the elder population. By recognizing a higher degree of fibrosis, we may assume that even if the patient will undergo a successful TAVI, the patient would not experience an improvement in quality of life, which makes the procedure futile. Avoiding futile invasive procedures in this patient population may prevent serious procedure-related complications on one hand, and avoid costly and complicated procedures from providers on the other hand.

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