Restenosis 3 months after successful percutaneous aortic valvoplasty. A clinicopathological report

A 76-year-old man with severe, calcific aortic stenosis experienced recurrence of symptoms 3 months after a successful percutaneous aortic valvoplasty. Echo Doppler revealed a marked increase of peak aortic flow velocity as compared with the immediate post-valvoplasty value. The patient underwent an uncomplicated aortic valve replacement. Adjacent to fragmented calcification, histology demonstrated a scarring reaction which might well be a major factor in the restenosis process.