Ten key facts about bicuspid aortic valve disease

Bicuspid aortic valve disease (BAVD) is a common problem in which the aortic valve has two, rather than three, cusps. BAVD is frequently picked up as an incidental finding during cardiac imaging. Here are Ten Key Facts about BAVD that you should be aware of in your cardiology clinic:

Transoesophageal echo showing bicuspid aortic valve en face

1. BAVD affects about 2% of the population
2. This means that BAVD is the most common congenital cardiac abnormality
3. BAVD is around 2x commoner in males
4. BAVD has been associated with an abnormality of the NOTCH1 gene
5. The most frequent complication of BAVD is aortic stenosis
6. Around one-third of patients with BAVD will experience a serious complication of the condition (aortic stenosis or regurgitation, infective endocarditis, aortic aneurysm or dissection)
7. BAVD is not just an abnormality of the aortic valve, but is a disease of the aortic root and ascending aorta as well
8. Patients with BAVD have a 9x greater risk of aortic dissection than those with a normal aortic valve
9. BAVD is present in around 50% of patients with coarctation of the aorta
10. Once diagnosed, patients with BAVD should remain under long-term surveillance which regular imaging assessment of their aortic valve function and aortic root/ascending aortic dimensions

A detailed overview of BAVD, which includes key references, can be accessed from the European Society of Cardiology by clicking here.