The Aorta in Bicuspid Valve Disease

ABSTRACT

Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is the most common congenital heart defect with an estimated prevalence of 1–2%. It is now common knowledge that BAV is associated with aortic dilatation and aneurysm formation. There is ongoing controversy regarding the etiology of this dilatation. Subsequently the optimal management of patients with BAV related to patient follow up and medical treatment and surgical decision making is not clear. In this review, the current state of knowledge will be summarized regarding the etiology and implications of BAV-related aortopathy.

KEYWORDS:

• Aneurysm
• aortopathy
• ascending aorta
• bicuspid aortic valve

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge Dr. Ian Ross for his assistance with Figure 3 and Dr. Samuel Siu for his assistance reviewing the manuscript.

Disclosure statements

The authors report no conflicts of interest.