stenosis
Pronunciation: ste-NO-sis
Abnormal narrowing of a blood vessel or heart valve that restricts blood flow.
Full Definition
Stenosis refers to the pathological narrowing of any tubular structure in the cardiovascular system, most commonly affecting coronary arteries, heart valves, or major vessels. In cardiovascular contexts, stenosis is typically caused by atherosclerotic plaque buildup, calcification, or congenital malformations. The degree of stenosis is often quantified as a percentage of luminal narrowing, with significant stenosis generally defined as greater than 70% occlusion in coronary arteries. Treatment approaches vary based on location and severity, ranging from medical management to surgical intervention.
Usage
Usage note: Always specify the location of stenosis (e.g., 'mitral stenosis' not just 'stenosis').
In Context
- "The patient presented with severe aortic stenosis requiring valve replacement." — Cardiac catheterization report
- "Coronary angiography revealed 85% stenosis of the left anterior descending artery." — Interventional cardiology note