Aortic stenosis with aortic aneurism(aneurysm)

Posted By Laura on March 10, 1999 at 21:03:01:







My husband has congenital aortic stenosis. He had surgery when he was 10 yrs old to open the valve. He is now 44 yrs old and needs to have the valve replaced. The cardiac cath showed severe aortic stenosis with leakage. It also showed that the aorta immediately following the valve is dilated or has an aneurism (aneurysm). The doctor used those terms interchangeably. I am concerned about the aorta since I haven't read anyone else make reference to having this same type of problem with their valve. Is this common? The surgeon says if the aorta needs to be replaced they have a mechanical valve with an artificial aorta already attached that they would use. Is this type of surgery more complex or risky. Do you see many of these types of valves being used?  The cardiologist mentioned doing an MRI to check the aorta, but the surgeon doesn't feel that it's necessary and says he can tell what needs to be done when he opens the chest. Please comment.  Thank-you.