9th Annual WML Academic Symposium

Presenter(s): Anthony Macey, Joseph McNamara, Mary Schmidt, Priya Vasudeva
Title: Role of Lipids in a Case of Calcific Aortic Valve Stenosis
Developed under the guidance of Dr. Bonnie Brenseke , School of Osteopathic Medicine

In this case study, we focus on the pathogenesis of aortic stenosis (AS), the leading cause of heart valve replacement surgery in the US. Through gross and microscopic examination, aortic valve nodules containing mineral deposits, lipid aggregates, and cholesterol clefts were identified. This lesion is often seen in AS with oxidized low-density lipoproteins (ox-LDLs) promoting mineralization. Common cellular mechanisms between atherosclerosis and calcific AS are discussed including the potential for statin therapy to be of benefit.