FIXED SUBAORTIC STENOSIS

Fixed subaortic stenosis is a relatively uncommon form of left ventric ular outflow tract obstruction, occurring as a discrete ring, a long s egment fibromuscular tunnel, or an obstruction from malalignment of th e interventricular septum. Echocardiography is extremely useful in dem onstrating the anatomy and severity of the obstruction. The etiology o f subaortic stenosis is not well understood; theories include polygeni c inheritance, fetal hemodynamic influences, and the effects of cardio vascular surgical interventions. The condition is usually progressive and can be complicated by the development of infective endocarditis an d aortic valve insufficiency. Management remains controversial, but su rgical resection or balloon dilatation are the current options.