From Misdiagnosis to Miracle: A 95-Year-Old Woman Saved by Precise Diagnosis & TAVR at Apollo Hospitals

December 5, 2025

For nearly two years, a 95-year-old elderly woman was repeatedly treated elsewhere for presumed lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI).
Every visit ended with the same explanation—“It’s a lung infection… it will settle with antibiotics.”
But her breathlessness kept worsening.
Her family finally brought her to Dr. A. Sreenivas Kumar at Apollo Hospitals, Jubilee Hills for a deeper evaluation.

That single decision changed her life.

A Turning Point: The Diagnosis Began at the Stethoscope

During her very first clinical examination, Dr. Sreenivas Kumar immediately detected a prominent systolic murmur on auscultation — a finding that had been missed outside.

His clinical suspicion was clear:

“This is not a lung issue. This is likely Severe Aortic Stenosis.”

An urgent 2D-ECHO was performed, and the diagnosis was confirmed:

  • Severe calcific aortic stenosis

  • AV Gradient: 100/55 mmHg

  • Severe LVH

  • Preserved LV systolic function

She also had a troubling history of recurrent fainting episodes, which perfectly matched the diagnosis.

To determine her suitability for transcatheter replacement, a CT Angiogram was conducted — and she was confirmed to be an ideal candidate for TAVR.

This accurate, timely diagnosis prevented potential collapse or sudden cardiac death.

(Note: Patient images have been intentionally masked to maintain confidentiality.)

TAVR — A Life-Saving Procedure for a 95-Year-Old

Given her advanced age, open heart surgery was extremely high-risk.
After evaluation by the Heart Team, TAVR offered the safest and most effective solution.

Procedure Details

  • Date: 13/08/2025

  • Valve: Edwards Sapien 3 Ultra 20 mm

  • Performed at: Apollo Hospitals, Jubilee Hills

  • Outcome: Procedure highly successful and uneventful

She was monitored in ICU and responded remarkably well.

Recovery That Surprised Everyone

During hospitalization:

  • She stabilized quickly

  • Showed steady improvement

  • Had no complications

  • Was able to walk with assistance by discharge

Follow-Up at 1 & 2 Months

  • Hemodynamically stable

  • Breathlessness completely resolved

  • No fainting spells

  • Walking independently without support

A woman once believed to be “too old to treat” now enjoys a fresh chapter of life—all because the correct diagnosis was finally made.

Key Learnings from This Case

1️⃣ Elderly patients treated repeatedly outside may still have undetected cardiac issues

Repeated LRTI treatment masked the true problem.

2️⃣ Expert clinical judgment matters

Dr. Sreenivas Kumar diagnosed Severe AS on auscultation itself, even before imaging.

3️⃣ Advanced diagnostics confirm and guide treatment

Echo revealed the severity; CT Angio confirmed suitability for TAVR.

4️⃣ TAVR is safe and effective, even for 90+ age group

Minimally invasive, fast recovery, life-extending.

5️⃣ Early cardiology referral can be life-saving

A timely second opinion changed everything.

Conclusion: A Heart Saved, A Life Restored

This case beautifully demonstrates how:

  • Clinical expertise

  • Accurate diagnosis

  • Advanced structural heart procedures like TAVR

…can completely transform outcomes, even in the oldest and most fragile patients.

The patient’s journey from being misdiagnosed outside to being successfully treated at Apollo Hospitals stands as a testament to the capabilities of modern cardiology and the skill of Dr. A. Sreenivas Kumar.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why did the patient’s condition go undiagnosed outside?

Symptoms of aortic stenosis often mimic respiratory infections. Without careful cardiac auscultation and Echo, it is easily missed.

2. How was Dr. Sreenivas Kumar able to identify the issue so quickly?

His strong clinical experience allowed him to recognize the classic murmur of Severe AS immediately.

3. What confirmed the final diagnosis?

  • Auscultation (murmur)

  • 2D-Echo (gradient 100/55 mmHg)

  • CT Angio (TAVR suitability)

4. Is TAVR safe for patients above 90?

Yes. Clinical evidence and real-world cases—including this one—show excellent outcomes.

5. What risks were avoided by diagnosing AS early?

  • Sudden cardiac death

  • Heart failure

  • Repeated hospitalizations

  • Progressive disability

6. What is the long-term outlook for the patient?

She continues to remain stable, free of breathlessness, and walking independently. Close follow-up is advised due to advanced age.

Dr. A. Sreenivas Kumar

MBBS, MD – General Medicine, DM – Cardiology, FACC
Senior Interventional Cardiologist | TAVI/TAVR Expert | Complex Coronary Interventions Specialist

📍 Hospital

Apollo Hospitals, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad

⏱ Clinic Timings

Monday – Friday | 10:00 AM – 03:30 PM

💻 Online Consultation

Monday – Friday | 02:30 PM – 03:30 PM