Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 19, 2026

Echocardiographic Approaches and Protocols for Comprehensive Phenotypic Characterization of Valvular Heart Disease in Mice
Published on: February 14, 2017
Two cases of quadricuspid aortic valve
Takeshi Masaki1, Masami Nishino2, Masayuki Taniike1
1Division of Cardiology, Osaka Rosai Hospital, 1179-3 Nagasone-cho, Sakai, Osaka, 591-8025, Japan.
Quadricuspid aortic valve (QAV), a rare congenital heart defect, can be accurately diagnosed using echocardiography and cardiac CT. These imaging techniques aid in early detection, allowing for careful monitoring before potential surgical intervention.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Imaging
- Congenital Heart Disease
Background:
- Quadricuspid aortic valve (QAV) is an uncommon congenital anomaly of the heart's aortic valve.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial for patient management and prognosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present two distinct cases of QAV diagnosed using advanced imaging modalities.
- To highlight the diagnostic capabilities of echocardiography and cardiac computed tomography (CT) for QAV.
Main Methods:
- Case presentation of two adult male patients diagnosed with QAV.
- Utilized echocardiography, including transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), for detailed valve assessment.
- Employed cardiac computed tomography (CT) for comprehensive anatomical evaluation.
Main Results:
- Case 1: A 58-year-old male with QAV featuring four equal-sized cusps.
- Case 2: A 42-year-old male with QAV including a small accessory cusp.
- Both TEE and cardiac CT provided accurate diagnostic information for QAV in these cases.
Conclusions:
- Transesophageal echocardiography and cardiac CT are effective tools for diagnosing quadricuspid aortic valve.
- Early diagnosis of QAV is achievable, enabling proactive monitoring and management planning.
- Long-term follow-up is essential for patients diagnosed with QAV, even in the absence of immediate surgical indication.
Related Concept Videos
Heart Valves
The AV valves prevent the backflow of blood from the ventricles to the atria during ventricular contraction. These valves function with the assistance of the chordae tendineae and papillary muscles. When the ventricles are relaxed, the chordae tendineae are slack, allowing blood to flow from the atria into the...
Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction
Chambers of the Heart
Deoxygenated blood from the body is received in the right...
Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Mitral Valve Prolapse I: Introduction
Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management

