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

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.