Which statement about LVH and LA enlargement in aortic stenosis is true?

Which statement about LVH and LA enlargement in aortic stenosis is true?

• A. Left atrial enlargement
• B. Left ventricular hypertrophy
• C. LVH and LA enlargement are commonly seen in AS
• D. Neither LVH nor LA enlargement are seen in AS

Answer: (C)

In aortic stenosis, the valve narrowing creates a chronic pressure load on the left ventricle, so the ventricle responds with concentric hypertrophy to generate higher pressure. This hypertrophy helps maintain systolic function but raises the left ventricular end-diastolic pressure. That increased filling pressure is transmitted back to the left atrium, causing it to enlarge over time. So you commonly see both left ventricular hypertrophy and left atrial enlargement on echocardiography in patients with significant aortic stenosis. If the stenosis is not severe or if diastolic function hasn’t worsened yet, atrial enlargement might be less pronounced, but the combination of LVH with LA enlargement is a typical finding as AS becomes chronic and severe.

In aortic stenosis, the valve narrowing creates a chronic pressure load on the left ventricle, so the ventricle responds with concentric hypertrophy to generate higher pressure. This hypertrophy helps maintain systolic function but raises the left ventricular end-diastolic pressure. That increased filling pressure is transmitted back to the left atrium,

causing it to enlarge over time. So you commonly see both left ventricular hypertrophy and left atrial enlargement on echocardiography in patients with significant aortic stenosis.

If the stenosis is not severe or if diastolic function hasn’t worsened yet, atrial enlargement might be less pronounced, but the combination of LVH with LA enlargement is a typical finding as AS becomes chronic and severe.