Lead Sponsor

Radboud University Medical Center

Age

50 - 80 years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

•Inclusion Criterion:
•Asymptomatic moderate aortic valve stenosis on recent (\<6 months) echocardiography (based on peak velocity, mean gradient, aortic valve area). The severity of AS will be quantified according to current EACVI / ASE guidelines.

•Heavily calcified aortic valve on echocardiography (defined as grade 4 calcification: extensive thickening/calcification of all cusps as described in the articles by Rosenhek et al.);
•a planned aortic valve replacement in the next six months;
•severe mitral valve stenosis (MVA \< 1cm2);
•severe mitral or aortic valve regurgitation;
•rheumatic aortic valve disease;
•bicuspid aortic valve;
•valvular disease due to history of chest radiation;
•left ventricular dysfunction (LVEF \< 35%);
•renal impairment (eGFR \<30 ml/min/1.73m2);
•patients aged \<50 and \>80 years;
•pre-existing chronic gastro-intestinal complaints which may obscure signs of colchicine intolerance;
•child-bearing potential without the use of contraception;
•use of CYP3A4 (e.g. verapamil) or P-glycoprotein inhibitors;
•use of bisphosphonate or denosumab;
•chronic use of immunosuppressants or anti-inflammatory drugs including colchicine and NSAID's (excl. acetylsalicylic acid);
•active or chronic liver disease;
•the presence of a pacemaker or internal cardiac defibrillator;
•life expectancy \<2 years.