Discrete subvalvular aortic stenosis in adults.

Discrete subvalvular aortic stenosis is a relatively rare condition in adults. It is often diagnosed during first decade of life especially in association with other congenital malformations. Isolated form of discrete subvalvular aortic stenosis may however silently progress from innocent murmurs of childhood and adolescence to symptomatic left ventricular outflow tract obstruction in adults. Certain overt and subtle morphological abnormalities may underlie the initial expression as well as high recurrence rates after surgical resection of sub aortic membrane. Though surgical resection is the only treatment available, debate on the surgical technique and appropriate timing of surgery continues. Close followup with serial echocardiographic examinations in patients detected to have functional murmurs during childhood may be helpful in early detection of subvalvular aortic stertosis.