Open AccessAscending aortic aneurysm and dissection in young adults with bicuspid aortic valve: Implications for echocardiographic surveillance
Author(s) -
Burks John M.,
Illes Richard W.,
Keating Edward C.,
Lubbe Willem J.
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
clinical cardiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.263
H-Index - 72
eISSN - 1932-8737
pISSN - 0160-9289
DOI - 10.1002/clc.4960210615
Subject(s) - bicuspid aortic valve , medicine , ascending aorta , cardiology , aneurysm , aortic dissection , dissection (medical) , aortic aneurysm , marfan syndrome , aorta , aortic valve , surgery
Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is an independent risk factor for aneurysm and dissection of the ascending aorta. Despite this association, routine imaging of the aorta has not been recommended for patients with BAV. We describe two young men who developed life‐threatening aneurysm or dissection of the ascending aorta; one had a normally functioning BAV and the other was 10 years after valve replacement. The pathology of this condition is very similar to that found in the Marfan syndrome. We recommend echocardiographic surveillance of the ascending aorta at regular intervals, and consideration of beta‐adrenergic blockade among patients with significant dilation.