MRCP UK EXAMINATIONS

Detailed explanation-1: -The most common causes of prosthetic valve stenosis are leaflet degeneration in bioprosthetic valves, endocarditis leading to leaflet destruction, and valve thrombosis and pannus formation in mechanical valves, which are associated with valve obstruction.

Detailed explanation-2: -Echocardiography is the key noninvasive modality for evaluation of prosthetic valve structure and function [1]. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is the mainstay for monitoring prosthetic valves and can generally identify normal function as well as evidence of valve dysfunction (stenosis).

Detailed explanation-3: -Currently known risk factors for bioprosthetic valve failure are younger age at the time of implantation, diabetes mellitus, higher calcium-phosphorus product, renal impairment, the use of porcine tissue valves, arterial hypertension and patient-prosthesis mismatch.

Detailed explanation-4: -Infection. The risk of infection of the prosthetic aortic valve is much higher compared to native valves and can affect all types of prosthesis equally, leading to infective endocarditis.