Aortic laceration due to prolapse of the bicuspid aortic valve: case report

Reports of aortic regurgitation due to rupture of the aortic valve commissures are rare. Prompt surgical intervention is necessary, as the condition results in rapid, progressive heart failure and subsequent death. We report the case of a 78-year-old man who presented with aortic laceration and cardiac tamponade that was probably induced by prolapse of the bicuspid aortic valve. We speculate that prompt initial surgery may have prevented aortic laceration and cardiac tamponade in this patient. Thus, in order to optimize clinical outcome, clinicians must consider early, precautionary surgical management in patients who have sudden cardiac failure due to aortic regurgitation associated with prolapse of the bicuspid aortic valve.