Description
This specimen shows the aortic valve together with part of the aorta and upper part of the
interventricular septum. The valve has been opened out. Inspection shows calcification at each
margin. The cusps are rigid. Atheromatous disease has narrowed the coronary ostia.
History
This 62-year-old woman was admitted to hospital for relief of right carotid artery
stenosis. This was treated surgically but she died the following day. At autopsy the heart weighed
420g, the left ventricle was hypertrophied and the coronary arteries showed severe atheroma. The
aortic cusps were described as rigid with only parts of the free edges mobile, and there was
calcification of the valve ring extending up into the aorta. Death was scribed to acute coronary
insufficiency on the basis of aortic stenosis and coronary artery disease.