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Congenital bicuspid aortic valve after age 20
The American Journal of Cardiology
|February 1, 1977
Summary
A bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) in adults over 20 does not always lead to aortic stenosis. While some BAV patients develop stenosis with age, many maintain normal valve function throughout life.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Pathology
Background:
- Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is a common congenital heart defect.
- BAV is frequently associated with aortic stenosis (AS) in adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and progression of aortic stenosis in adults with BAV.
- To investigate other complications and outcomes in patients with BAV.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of clinical records from 152 patients aged 20+ with BAV identified at autopsy.
- Analysis of valve function, stenosis severity, and causes of death.
Main Results:
- Only 28% of patients aged 20+ with BAV had aortic stenosis at autopsy.
- AS incidence increased with age, affecting 73% of those over 70.
- Infective endocarditis was the leading cause of death (40%), primarily in patients under 50.
- 32% of patients had normally functioning valves, a rate consistent across age groups.
Conclusions:
- BAV in adults over 20 does not invariably result in aortic stenosis or insufficiency.
- Age is a significant factor in AS development in BAV patients.
- Infective endocarditis is a major mortality cause in younger BAV patients.