Bicuspid aortic valve with associated aortopathy, significant left ventricular hypertrophy or concomitant hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: A diagnostic and therapeutic challenge

Due to its prevalence of 0.5%to 2%in the general population,with a 75%predominance among men,bicuspid aortic valve is the most common congenital heart defect.It is frequently accompanied by other cardiac congenital anomalies,and clinical presentation can vary significantly,with stenosis being the most common manifestation,often resulting in mild to moderate concentric hypertrophy of the left ventricle.Echocardiography is the primary diagnostic modality utilized for establishing the diagnosis,and it is often the sole diagnostic tool relied upon by clinicians.However,due to the heterogeneous clinical presentation and possible associated anomalies(which are often overlooked in clinical practice),it is necessary to employ various diagnostic methods and persist in finding the accurate diagnosis if multiple inconsistencies exist.By employing this approach,we can effectively manage these patients and provide them with appropriate treatment.Through a clinical case from our practice,we provide an overview of the literature on bicuspid aortic valve with aortophaty and the possible association with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy,diagnostic methods,and treatment options.This review article highlights the critical significance of achieving an accurate diagnosis in patients with bicuspid aortic valve and significant left ventricular hypertrophy.It is crucial to exclude other possible causes of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction,such as sub-or supra-aortic obstructions,and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Prevalence of Bicuspid Aortic Valve in Turner Syndrome Patients Receiving Cardiac MRI and CT: A Meta-Analysis

Turner syndrome(TS)is a rare disorder affecting 25–50 in 100000 female newborns.Bicuspid aortic valve(BAV)is assumed to be the most common congenital heart defect(CHD)in TS.In literature,reported BAV prevalence in TS ranges between 14%and 34%.The specific BAV prevalence in TS is still unknown.The aim of this study was to give a more precise estimation of BAV prevalence in TS by conducting a meta-analysis of TS-studies,which detected BAV by either cardiac magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)or cardiac computed tomography(CT).We searched PubMed,Cochrane Library,and Web of Science databases to collect observational studies including the prevalence of BAV identified by cardiac MRI or cardiac CT in TS patients up to June 4th,2021.After screening for inclusion,data extraction,and quality assessment by two independent reviewers,the meta-analysis was performed with R 4.1.1 software.Results are shown as proportion and weighted mean difference with 95%confidence intervals(95%CI).In total,11 studies involving 1177 patients were included.Pooled data showed that the prevalence of BAV in TS patients was 23.7%(95%CI:21.3%to 26.1%).No high heterogeneity was found between the included studies.The current meta-analysis reveals that BAVcan be detected in 23.7%of TS patients receiving cardiac MRI or cardiac CT.Therefore,BAV can be considered as the most common CHD in TS.Compared to TTE,cardiac MRI and cardiac CT might represent superior imaging modalities in BAV assessment of adult TS patients.

Infective bicuspid aortic valve endocarditis causing acute severe regurgitation and heart failure:A case report

BACKGROUND Infective endocarditis(IE)is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening infection,which occasionally develops into acute severe valve insufficiency leading to the onset of heart failure,and necessitates timely intervention.However,the variable and atypical clinical manifestations always make the early detection of IE difficult and challenging.CASE SUMMARY A 45-year-old female who was previously healthy presented with exertional shortness of breath and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea.She also suffered from a significant decrease in exercise capacity,whereas her body temperature was normal.She had severe hypoxemia and hypotension along with a marked aortic valve murmur.Diffuse pulmonary edema and bilateral pleural effusion were observed on both chest X-ray and computed tomography scan.Transthoracic echocardiography was performed immediately and revealed severe regurgitation of the bicuspid aortic valve.Transesophageal echocardiography was further performed and vegetations were detected.In addition to adequate medical therapy and ventilation support,the patient underwent urgent and successful aortic valve replacement.Her symptoms were significantly relieved and the postoperative chest X-ray showed that pulmonary edema was significantly reduced.Histopathology of the resected valve and positive microorganism culture of the surgical specimen provided evidence of definite IE.CONCLUSION IE should be considered in critical patients with refractory heart failure caused by severe bicuspid aortic valve regurgitation.

The Impact of a Bicuspid Aortic Valve on Aortic Geometry and Function in Patients with Aortic Coarctation:A Comprehensive CMR Study

Background:An isolated bicuspid aortic valve(BAV)is associated with structural and functional abnormalities of the aorta and the left ventricle(LV).Although~50%of patients with aortic coarctation(CoA)have a BAV,less is known about its impact on LV function and aortic geometry and function in CoA patients.In this cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging(CMR)study,we analysed markers of LV and aortic function as well as aortic geometry in a large cohort of CoA patients with a BAVand compared them with CoA patients with a tricuspid aortic valve(TAV).Methods:We included 48 patients with a BAV(18.4±9.3 years)and 45 patients with TAV(20.7±9.9 years).LV volumes,mass and ejection fraction as well as aortic distensibilty,pulse wave velocity(PWV)were measured from standard cine CMR and phase-contrast CMR images.2-dimensional CMR feature tracking(2DCMR-FT)was performed to measure longitudinal,circumferential and radial strain and strain rate of the LV.Aortic arch geometry was classified as romanic,gothic and crenel.Results:LV volumes,mass and ejection fraction as well as aortic distensibility and PWV did not significantly differ between the BAV and the TAV group.There was also no significant difference for LV global longitudinal,radial and circumferential strain and strain rate between both groups.Patients with a BAV had more commonly a gothic aortic arch compared to TAV patients,but this difference was not statistically significant(22 vs.14,p=0.2).Ascending and descending aortic distensibility correlated with LV mass in the entire patient group(p<0.001).Global longitudinal,circumferential and radial strain(GLS,GCS,GRS)and global longitudinal and circumferential strain rate(GLSR,GCSR)correlated with LV ejection fraction(p<0.001).Conclusion:Our data suggest that the presence of a BAV does not adversely impact LV and aortic function in children and young adults with CoA.The correlation of global circumferential,longitudinal and radial strain values with LV ejection fraction demonstrates that 2D-CMR-FT might provide additional information related to ventricular function in CoA patients.

High-Risk Congenital Coronary Abnormalities in Patients with Bicuspid Aortic Valve

Objective:Abnormal coronary artery origin(ACAO)from the opposite sinus with inter-arterial course of the ectopic proximal vessel is associated with the greatest potential for clinical manifestations,specifically sudden death.Data remain limited regarding the association between bicuspid aortic valve(BAV)and this potentially dangerous coronary variant reported in up to 0.6%in the general population.We investigated the frequency of this high-risk ACAO with inter-arterial course in our surgical series of BAV patients.Methods and Results:We conducted a retrospective study to identify BAV patients with ACAO and inter-arterial course who underwent elective aortic valve/root surgery between 2010 and 2019 in our tertiary center.A total of 279 consecutive patients with BAV were identified.Among these,four patients(1.4%)had ACAO with inter-arterial course.Three patients had abnormal right coronary artery arising from the theoretical opposite coronary sinus with intramural course.The fourth patient presented an abnormal left coronary artery from a single coronary artery arising from the theoretical right coronary sinus with a long inter-arterial course.Conclusion:Our results from a single-center experience support high-risk ACAOS may be more frequently diagnosed in BAV patients,especially in surgical series,justifying a careful preoperative assessment.

Bicuspid Aortic Valve Disease in Turner Syndrome: A Meta-Analysis of Prevalence

Turner syndrome patients partially or completely lack the X chromosome. 1 - 2500 female live births are affected. Clinical features include webbed neck, short stature, broad chest etc. Bicuspid aortic valve disease (BAV) occurs in more than 30% of Turner syndrome patients causing significant morbidity and mortality. We aimed to establish a more reliable estimate of the prevalence of BAV in Turner syndrome. PubMed, Embase and PsycINFO databases were searched until 2022. Review Manager (RevMan 5.4.1) and the JASP software (0.16.00) were used for meta-analysis. 15 studies with a total of 3189 patients were combined. The pooled prevalence of BAV in Turner syndrome was 22.0% (95% CI: 15.0% - 29.0%). Sub group analysis by 45, X0 karyotype and age had prevalence of 24.0% and 8% respectively. The studies had high heterogeneity and possible publication biases. In summary, the study established that the prevalence of BAV in Turner syndrome patients diagnosed by echocardiogram, CT and MRI scans, is 22.0%, and 24% in patients with true monosomy 45, X0 karyotypes. Routine BAV exam should pay particular attention to monosomy 45, X0 karyotype patients, and where possible, CT and MRI should always accompany echocardiography for BAV screening, especially for pediatrics.

Acquired Gerbode Defect Secondary to Severe Bicuspid Aortic Valve Endocarditis

An annular aortic abscess is a fatal complication of infective endocarditis. Echocardiography is the initial imaging modality to confirm the diagnosis in suspected infective endocarditis. Here, we present a case of a bicuspid aortic valve infective endocarditis caused by Staphylococcus aureus and complicated with annular aortic abscess resulting in acquired Gerbode defect (type II) with tricuspid valve vegetation which was undiagnosed preoperatively. The intraoperative transoesophageal echocardiography yields a new finding prior to the surgical incision, which impacted the clinical decision-making and increased the burden of the procedure.

Unicuspid Aortic Valve, an Extremely Rare Congenital Anomaly in Adults: A Systemic Review

The most common congenital heart defect is the bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) occurring with fusion of one of the three-valve commissures. A rarer valvular phenomenon is the unicuspid aortic valve (UAV) which has an estimated prevalence of 0.02% in the adult population. Two morphologic subtypes of UAV exist: the earlier presenting, acommissural UAV and the later appearing unicommissural. To better characterize and manage patients with UAVs, a systematic review of this rare phenomenon was performed. The objective of our study was to conduct a systematic review of adequate case studies involving UAV patients to describe patient characteristics, clinical presentation, management, and common sequela featured there within. The mean age of presentation in this review was 35.6 years. When diagnosing UAV, TEE was the most utilized diagnostic modality (65%) followed by intraoperative diagnosis (17%) discovered with valve repair or incidentally during another procedure. TTE was utilized to diagnose only 7% of the cases reviewed likely owing to the difficulty and inaccuracies in identifying UAV with this method that were previously established by multiple series. Interventional options for UAV are balloon versus surgical valvotomy, aortic valve replacement, Ross procedure and aortic root replacement. They are performed on an individual basis and all cases ultimately require aortic valve replacement (AVR) or Ross procedure (to avoid anticoagulation). Aortic root replacement is additionally required if aortic root/ascending aorta diameter exceeds 4.5 cm. In this review, Aortic aneurysm (16%) cases resulted in surgical interventions. There may be a need to implant permanent pacemaker (in 3% - 8%) during AVR when calcified UAV has calcification extending into interventricular septum.

Trans-Frame Aortic Regurgitation of New-Generation Aortic Bioprosthesis

A widely used aortic valve bioprosthesis is susceptible to regurgitation between the sewing ring and the frame of the valve due to its relatively thin fabric coverage. In some cases this leak has been shown to resolve with administration of protamine, however, tension on this area from annular sutures placed in an asymmetric bicuspid valve annulus may exacerbate the defect.

Ascending Aortic Aneurysm and Dissection Secondary to Bicuspid Aortic Valve with Concomitant Coarctation of Descending Aorta Successfully Repaired with Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support: A Case Report

Type A aortic aneurysm and dissection secondary to bicuspid aortic valve(BAV)with untreated coarctation of the aorta(CoA)in adults is a rare finding because there are almost no“abnormalities”in these patients’medical histories.Here,we report on a 47-year-old man with unexplained weakness followed by unconsciousness.He was diagnosed with cardiogenic shock and underwent venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation(VA-ECMO).BAV,ascending aortic aneurysm and dissection(based on bedside echocardiography)and concomitant CoA(based on computed tomography angiography)were confirmed.The patient then underwent emergency surgery including aortic root replacement with a composite mechanical valve conduit,additional ascending-to-descending aortic bypass,and coronary artery bypass grafting with a saphenous vein graft to the right coronary artery.After treatment,he recovered uneventfully.Thus,here we present a case involving a patient in a critical condition with ascending aortic aneurysm and dissection secondary to complex congenital heart defects,who was successfully treated with composite surgical procedures combined with life-saving VA-ECMO.

Rheumatic Aortic Valve Disease with Mitral Stenosis—A Case Report

Congenitally malformed aortic valves are more susceptible to valve injury due to rheumatic fever, mechanical stress of altered flow patterns, atherosclerotic risk factors and degenerative changes. Rheumatic involvement usually occurs in childhood and it is progressive leading to diffuse thickening and fibrosis at leaflet edges and thus differentiated from other patterns of valve damage. Background of this case report revealed the bicuspid nature of the aortic valve due to rheumatic commissural fusion and analysis of echocardiographic parameters in combined lesions of both aortic and mitral valves with severe LV (left ventricular) dysfunction. Left ventricular (LV) and left atrial (LA) dilations predisposing to the formation of smoke (SEC-spontaneous echo contrast) in LV and LA as a consequence of mitral and aortic valve disease are illustrated by 2D echocardiographic imaging in this 41-year-old male.

Effect of transcatheter aortic valve replacement on bicuspid coronary hemodynamics:A numerical study

To investigate the effects of transcatheter heart valve(THV)poses and bicuspid aortic valve(BAV)subtypes on coronary hemodynamics after transcatheter aortic valve replacement(TAVR).The computational models for BAV included left-right fusion(LR),non-coronary-left fusion(LN)and non-coronary-right fusion(RN).THV deployment height is defined as the distance below the aortic annulus of the lowest point of the stent,H_(1)=2mm,H_(2)=5mm and H_(3)=8mm,Orientations include O_(1)(one commissure is aligned with the raphe)and O_(2)(one commissure is aligned with the axis of non-fused leaflet symmetry).The maximum flow velocity(Vmax),mean wall shear stress(mWSS)and coronary perfusion pressure(CPP)of coronary were obtained by computational fluid dynamics(CFD)simulation.The CPP was 59%in left coronary and 82%in right coronary higher than that before deployment.At O_(1),the CPP of the LN left coronary and the RN right coronary was 74%and 79%higher than that before deployment.At O_(2),the CPP of the LN right coronary and the RN left coronary was 83%and 82%higher than that before deployment.When the THV deployment height is less than 2​mm,Vmax and CPP of coronary arteries do not return to healthy TAV levels or changed weakly.The overlap of the THV commissure with the coronary ostium makes the coronary CPP so large that it exceeds the level of a healthy TAV.

First-in-man implantation of the retrievable and repositionable VenusA-Plus valve

BACKGROUND: No retrievable and repositionable second generation transcatheter aortic valve is available in China. Here, we report the first-in-man implantation of the retrievable and repositionable VenusA-Plus valve. METHODS: A 76-year-old patient with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis and high surgical risk(STS 13.8%) was recommended for transcatheter aortic valve replacement(TAVR) by heart valve team. Type 0 bicuspid aortic valve with asymmetric calcification was identified by dual source computed tomography, and the unfavorable anatomies increased the possibility of malposition and paravalvular leakage during TAVR. Therefore, we used the retrievable and repositionable Venus APlus valve for the patient.RESULTS: Transfemoral TAVR was performed under local anesthesia with sedation, and a 26-mm VenusA-Plus valve was successfully implanted. No transvalvular pressure gradient and trace paravalvular leakage were found. CONCLUSION: The successful first-in-man implantation indicates the retrievable and repositionable Venus A-Plus valve is feasible in complicated TAVR cases such as bicuspid aortic valve.

Junctional Pacemaker May Replace the Sinoatrial Node

Junctional rhythm is usually seen in the clinic with different causes.We report a case of bicuspid aortic valve accompa-nied by sinoatrial node dysfunction.The junctional escape beat could accelerate with physiological needs and provided for the normal needs of daily life when dysfunction of the sinoatrial node occurred,which provides a new way for the treatment of sinoatrial node dysfunction.Our fi ndings could be potentially signifi cant for identifying causes and choos-ing appropriate treatment strategies by using ECG monitoring in the clinic in the future.