Aortic Dilatation in Patients With Bicuspid Aortic Valve
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Updated: Oct 27, 2025

A Closed-chest Model to Induce Transverse Aortic Constriction in Mice
Published on: April 5, 2018
Jing Wang1,2,3, Wenhui Deng1,2,3, Qing Lv1,2,3
1Department of Ultrasound Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
Insights
Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) disease, the most common heart defect, can lead to aortic dilatation and serious complications. Current monitoring relies on limited aortic diameter measurements, highlighting a need for better understanding of BAV aortopathy.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Genetics
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is the most prevalent congenital heart anomaly.
- BAV is linked to aortic dilatation, increasing risks of dissection and rupture, posing a significant health burden.
- Current management relies on aortic diameter, which has limited predictive value.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on BAV aortopathy.
- To explore clinical definitions, epidemiology, natural course, and pathophysiology.
- To discuss hemodynamic and clinical aspects of BAV aortopathy.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review.
- Analysis of existing data on BAV aortopathy.
- Synthesis of current understanding of BAV disease progression.
Main Results:
- BAV aortopathy is a complex condition with limited understanding of its progression.
- Aortic diameter is the primary but insufficient metric for surgical intervention.
- There is a need for improved diagnostic and prognostic tools.
Conclusions:
- BAV aortopathy requires further research to improve patient outcomes.
- Enhanced understanding of pathophysiology and hemodynamics is crucial.
- Development of novel monitoring and intervention strategies is warranted.
Abstract:
Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is the most common congenital cardiac abnormality. BAV aortic dilatation is associated with an increased risk of adverse aortic events and represents a potentially lethal disease and hence a considerable medical burden. BAV with aortic dilatation warrants frequent monitoring, and elective surgical intervention is the only effective method to prevent dissection or rupture. The predictive value of the aortic diameter is known to be limited. The aortic diameter is presently still the main reference standard for surgical intervention owing to the lack of a comprehensive understanding of BAV aortopathy progression. This article provides a brief comprehensive review of the current knowledge on BAV aortopathy regarding clinical definitions, epidemiology, natural course, and pathophysiology, as well as hemodynamic and clinically significant aspects on the basis of the limited data available.
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