Risk of stroke in patients with congenital bicuspid valve

The records of 75 patients with the diagnosis of bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) confirmed at the time of valve replacement were reviewed retrospectively to assess the frequency of cerebrovascular events. There were four transient ischemic attacks, one stroke, and one retinal embolus; four of these could be explained by factors other than embolism from the aortic valve (infective endocarditis, two; carotid plaque, one; prolapsed mitral valve, one). Cerebrovascular complications occurred close in time (median, 2 months prior) to valve replacement. We conclude that BAV is a rare cause of cardioembolic stroke, which occurs only with severe valvular dysfunction. The risk of cerebrovascular events with a functionally normal BAV is probably very low.