Role of Active Valvular Calcification and Inflammation in Patients With Aortic Stenosis

Aortic stenosis is the commonest valvular heart disease in the western world and is the leading indication for valve surgery. Histological studies have suggested similarities with atherosclerosis including inflammation, lipid deposition, increased macrophage activity and calcification. However, recent randomised controlled trials have failed to demonstrate a reduction in the rate of disease progression with statin therapy and the investigators believe there is now a need to re-evaluate the underlying factors involved in the initiation and progression of aortic stenosis. The investigators propose to assess the role of inflammation and calcification in the pathogenesis and progression of aortic stenosis by using positron emission tomography with [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose and [18F-]-fluoride in patients with a range of aortic valve disease. The investigators hypothesise that increasing severity of valvular inflammation and calcification will correlate with disease severity and rate of disease progression. This work will lay the foundation for the subsequent application of interventions targeted at inflammation and calcification.