Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 28, 2026

Technique and Patient Selection Criteria of Right Anterior Mini-Thoracotomy for Minimal Access Aortic Valve Replacement
08:50

Technique and Patient Selection Criteria of Right Anterior Mini-Thoracotomy for Minimal Access Aortic Valve Replacement

Published on: March 26, 2018

12.4K

Statin Use and Aneurysm Risk in Patients With Bicuspid Aortic Valve Disease

Alexander P Taylor1, Ajay Yadlapati1, Adin-Cristian Andrei2

  • 1Division of Cardiology, Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois.

Clinical Cardiology
|December 24, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Preoperative statin use may reduce the risk of ascending aortic dilatation in patients with bicuspid aortic valve disease undergoing surgery. This finding suggests a potential medical therapy to manage aortic complications in BAV patients.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Vascular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) disease is a common congenital heart defect associated with aortic dilatation.
  • Currently, no medical therapy effectively prevents the progression of aortic dilatation in BAV disease.
  • Surgical intervention remains the primary treatment for significant aortic dilatation in BAV patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between preoperative statin use and the odds of ascending aortic dilatation in patients with BAV disease referred for surgery.
  • To determine if statins could be a potential medical therapy for managing aortic dilatation in BAV.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 680 BAV patients who underwent aortic surgery between 2004 and 2013.
  • Aortic diameter (AD) was measured, and patients were categorized into maximal AD <4.5 cm or ≥4.5 cm groups.
  • Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between preoperative statin use and aortic dilatation, adjusting for clinical factors.

Main Results:

  • Patients with larger ascending aortic diameters (≥4.5 cm) were less likely to be on preoperative statins (35%) compared to those with smaller diameters (<4.5 cm, 45%).
  • After adjusting for covariates, preoperative statin use was associated with 0.66 times lower odds of having significant ascending aortic dilatation (AD ≥4.5 cm).
  • This association was statistically significant (P = 0.029).

Conclusions:

  • Preoperative statin use is associated with reduced odds of clinically significant ascending aortic dilatation in patients with bicuspid aortic valve disease.
  • These findings suggest a potential role for statins in managing aortic dilatation in BAV patients, warranting further investigation.
  • This study highlights a possible medical adjunctive therapy to surgical management for BAV-associated aortopathy.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Isolation of Mouse Interstitial Valve Cells to Study the Calcification of the Aortic Valve In Vitro05:47

Isolation of Mouse Interstitial Valve Cells to Study the Calcification of the Aortic Valve In Vitro

Published on: May 10, 2021

4.8K
A Rabbit Aortic Valve Stenosis Model Induced by Direct Balloon Injury07:10

A Rabbit Aortic Valve Stenosis Model Induced by Direct Balloon Injury

Published on: March 31, 2023

1.7K

Related Concept Videos

Atherosclerosis III: Management01:26

Atherosclerosis III: Management

Management of atherosclerosis involves an integrated strategy encompassing pharmacological treatment, surgical interventions, lifestyle changes, and nutrition therapy to address the multifactorial nature of the disease.Pharmacological TherapyA cornerstone of atherosclerosis management is the use of pharmacological agents. Statins, such as atorvastatin, are pivotal in inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes an initial step in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduction in...
582
Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management01:25

Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management

Aortic regurgitation (AR) is when the aortic valve does not close or seal properly, leading to backward blood circulation from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole. Common causes of AR include rheumatic heart disease, congenital valve defects, and aortic root dilation. Managing AR requires a multifaceted approach to alleviate symptoms, preserve left ventricular function, and address the underlying cause of the regurgitation. Patients with symptomatic AR or significant left...
549
Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care01:26

Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care

Aneurysm management involves either conservative medical therapy or surgical intervention, depending on the size and symptoms of the aneurysm. Conservative management is generally reserved for smaller, asymptomatic aneurysms, while larger or symptomatic aneurysms often necessitate surgical repair.Conservative Medical TherapyFor small, asymptomatic aneurysms, particularly abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) less than 5.5 centimeters in diameter, conservative medical therapy is recommended. This...
447
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT01:25

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT

Calcium-Scoring CT ScanA calcium-scoring CT scan, also known as coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan, detects calcium deposits in the coronary arteries. This test assesses the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), which can lead to cardiovascular events such as angina, heart failure, and sudden cardiac arrest.A calcium-scoring CT scan is generally recommended for individuals at intermediate risk of CAD without symptoms. It includes:Men aged 40-75 and women aged 50-75: Especially those with a...
805
Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents01:20

Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents

Hyperlipidemia, a medical condition often referred to as high cholesterol, is characterized by abnormally elevated levels of lipids in the bloodstream. When present in excess, these lipids, specifically cholesterol and triglycerides, can lead to serious health complications, often involving cardiovascular diseases. Illnesses like atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and pancreatitis have all been linked to untreated hyperlipidemia. This means controlling and regulating cholesterol and triglyceride...
1.8K
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:21

Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Thoracic, aortic arch and abdominal aneurysms are significant vascular conditions that can present with various clinical manifestations and lead to serious complications. Understanding these manifestations and the appropriate diagnostic studies is essential for effective management and treatment.Thoracic Aortic AneurysmsThoracic aortic aneurysms often remain asymptomatic until they reach a size that impinges on adjacent structures. They typically cause deep, diffuse chest pain that radiates to...
513