Treatment of cardiogenic shock by emergency aortic balloon valvuloplasty.

We used aortic balloon valvuloplasty to successfully treat two patients who had cardiogenic shock associated with calcific aortic stenosis. In both patients, the resulting reduction in mean aortic valve gradient and increase in calculated aortic valve area allowed prompt discontinuation of treatment with pressors and a return to near normal renal function. Both patients were discharged within 10 days after valvuloplasty and showed significant, long-lasting clinical improvement. Aortic balloon valvuloplasty can reverse cardiogenic shock associated with calcific aortic stenosis.