Normalization of Diastolic Dysfunction in Aortic Stenosis Late After Valve Replacement

Abstract

Diastolic stiffness increases in aortic stenosis early after AVR parallel to the increase in interstitial fibrosis, whereas relaxation rate decreases with a reduction in left ventricular muscle mass. Late after AVR, both diastolic stiffness and relaxation are normalized due to the regression of both muscular and nonmuscular tissue. Thus, reversal of diastolic dysfunction in aortic stenosis takes years and is accompanied by a slow regression of interstitial fibrosis.