Bicuspid aortic valve and coarctation of aorta

Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) and coarctation of aorta (COA) are frequently seen together. It is believed that these malformations result from a single developmental diathesis. A case is presented of COA, aortic stenosis and aneurysm of the ascending aorta corrected by patch aortoplasty and commisurotomy. An aneurysm at the site of the coarctation repair can develop as late as 20 to 25 years after surgery. Almost all of the aneurysms described have occurred in patients undergoing patch aortoplasty. We do not recommend this technique except in special cases.