Blood penetration into human aortic valves consecutive to endothelial micro-fissuring of the fibrosa determines the site of calcium deposition: Physiopathological implications

Intraleaflet hematoma has been associated with advanced stages of aortic valve stenosis. Its presence is suspected to be involved in faster disease progression. However, the mechanism whereby the entry and the presence of blood elements into the valves would have an impact on the biology of aortic valvular interstitial cells (VICs) remains to be deciphered. To evaluate the presence of intraleaflet hematoma, in respect to calcium deposition, at...