Aortic Dilatation in Patients with Bicuspid Aortic Valve

BICUSPID AORTIC VALVE IS THE MOST COMMON CONGENITAL HEART DEFECT in adults, affecting 1.3% of the population worldwide, and is responsible for more deaths and complications than the combined effects of all the other congenital heart defects. 1,2 Although aortic stenosis and regurgitation are the most common complications of a bicuspid aortic valve, dilatation of any or all segments of the proximal aorta from the aortic root to the aortic arch, called bicuspid aortopathy, is also present in approximately 50% of affected persons.(1-4) Accumulating evidence suggests that the pattern of aortic dilatation in persons with a bicuspid aortic valve is diverse, possibly reflecting heterogeneity in molecular, rheologic, and clinical features.(4-9) This article provides a brief overview of the basic principles, recent advances, and recommendations for the treatment of adults with bicuspid aortopathy.