Aortic stenosis and right ventricular dysfunction.

Cardiac damage in severe aortic stenosis (AS) is not limited to the aortic valve and left ventricle, but is a systemic disease characterized by a significant alteration in cardiac structure and function. Therefore, a new classification of AS based on the degree of myocardial damage was proposed. A significant number of patients with AS have right ventricular dysfunction likely due to ventricular interdependence. Relationship between right ventricular dysfunction and increased mortality in both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with severe AS was demonstrated. These patients could benefit more from intervention. Therefore, a standardized echocardiographic examination of a patients with severe aortic stenosis should provide a detailed analysis of right ventricular function.