Combined aortic stenosis and regurgitation: double the trouble

### Learning objectives Mixed aortic valve disease (MAVD) refers to the coexistence of aortic stenosis (AS) and aortic regurgitation (AR). Despite the relatively high prevalence of MAVD, there are very few data on the outcome and management of this entity.1–6 Nonetheless, a few recent studies have reported that the prognosis of patients with combined moderate AS and moderate AR is similar or worse than those with isolated severe AS or AR.2 3 The therapeutic management of MAVD is complex and is currently based on the guideline recommendations for the predominant lesion, AS or AR.1 7 The objective of this Education in Heart article is to provide an overview of the prevalence, pathophysiology, outcomes, diagnosis, severity grading and strategies for the therapeutic management of MAVD. ### Prevalence of MAVD In a nationwide epidemiology study conducted in Sweden,8 the overall incidence rate of multiple valve disease was 6.4 per 100 000 person-years. This rate increased markedly with age and was higher in men (8.5 per 100 000 person-years) than in women (5.8 per 100 000 person-years).8 MAVD was the most frequent multiple valve disease and 17.9% of patients with AR were diagnosed with concomitant AS. ### Pathophysiology of MAVD The pathophysiology and clinical impact of MAVD are complex and relate to the severity and chronicity of each aortic valve lesion and to the repercussions of these lesions on the remodelling and function of the left ventricle (LV) and other upstream cardiac chambers.5 In patients …