ISSN : 1301-5680
e-ISSN : 2149-8156
Turkish Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery     
Ascending aorta replacement in bicuspid aortic valve: when?
Fuat Bilgen
Erdem Hastanesi Kalp ve Damar Cerrahisi Bölümü, İstanbul
DOI : 10.5606/tgkdc.dergisi.2011.03Suppl2

Abstract

Bicuspid aortic valve is the most frequently seen congenital heart anomaly. It is not only a valvular disease but also an aortic disease characterized with a defect especially in the the media layer of the ascending aorta. When compared with the ascending aorta of the patients with tricuspid valve, ascending aortic dilatation is more common and faster and this can cause dissection or rupture at an earlier age. For these reasons, ascending aortic replacement is recommended if the aortic diameter is greater than 5 cm, or if it is greater than 4.5 cm with some coexisting risk factors, or if it is greater than 4 cm in patients requiring valve replacement. However, these recommendations are based on limited evidence. Prospective controlled trials are required to obtain evidence-based recommendations.