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Aortic dimensions in patients with bicuspid aortic valve without significant valve dysfunction

Moreno Cecconi1, Marcello Manfrin, Alessandra Moraca

  • 1Ospedale Cardiologico G. M. Lancisi, Via Guazzatore 66, 60027 Osimo, Ancona, Italy. morcecconi@tiscalinet.it

The American Journal of Cardiology
|January 12, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Bicuspid aortic valves (BAVs) are linked to aortic dilation, primarily in the aortic root and ascending aorta. Dilation, especially in the aortic arch, increases with age in patients over 40.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Medical Imaging
  • Aortic Diseases

Background:

  • Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is a common congenital heart defect.
  • BAV is associated with an increased risk of aortic root and ascending aorta dilation.
  • The extent and pattern of aortic dilation in relation to age and aortic valve morphology in isolated BAVs require further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate aortic dimensions in patients with isolated bicuspid aortic valves (BAVs) without significant aortic valve dysfunction.
  • To determine the correlation between aortic dimensions, age, and aortic valve morphology.
  • To identify specific aortic segments affected by dilation in the BAV population.

Main Methods:

  • Transthoracic 2-dimensional echocardiography was used to measure aortic dimensions.
  • 162 consecutive patients with isolated BAVs were included.
  • Measurements were taken at various anatomic levels of the aorta.

Main Results:

  • Aortic dilation was observed in the aortic root and ascending aorta but not in the descending or abdominal aorta.
  • A significant increase in aortic arch dimensions was noted in BAV patients over 40 years of age.
  • Ascending aortic diameter and the extent of dilation correlated significantly with age, but not with aortic valve morphology.

Conclusions:

  • Isolated BAVs are associated with dilation of the aortic root and ascending aorta.
  • Age is a significant factor influencing aortic dilation, particularly in the aortic arch for patients over 40.
  • Aortic valve morphology does not appear to influence aortic dimensions in this patient cohort.

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