Value of ejection fraction/velocity ratio in the prognostic stratification of patients with asymptomatic aortic valve stenosis.

Background: The ejection fraction/velocity ratio (EFVR) is a simple function-corrected index of aortic stenosis severity with a good correlation with aortic valve area measured using the Gorlin formula at cardiac catheterization. It is calculated by dividing left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) to 4 x (peak jet velocity)(2). Objective: Our aim was to evaluate the value of EFVR in predicting adverse events in patients with asymptomatic aortic stenosis. Methods: We analyzed the clinical and echocardiographic data of 216 asymptomatic patients with at least moderate aortic stenosis (AVA <= 1.5 cm(2)). The primary end-point was cardiovascular death or aortic valve replacement. Results: There were 119 (55%) men and mean age was 68 +/- 10 years. The mean follow-up time was 4.2 +/- 1.6 years (median 4.3 years). During follow-up, the composite end-point of death or aortic valve replacement was reached in 105 patients (49%). Using multivariate Cox regression analysis, EFVR and valvulo-arterial impedance emerged as independent variables associated with outcome (P < 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively). In the subgroup of patients with severe aortic stenosis (AVA < 1 cm(2)), EFVR <= 0.9 was associated with an increased hazard ratio for the composite end-point of mortality and aortic valve replacement (HR 2.14, 95% CI: 1.15-4.0, P = 0.017), even after adjusting for aortic valve area. Conclusions: In patients with asymptomatic moderate to severe aortic stenosis, EFVR is useful for risk stratification. Our results suggest that incorporating EFVR in the evaluation of patients with asymptomatic aortic stenosis might help identify those who are most likely to benefit from early elective aortic replacement.