Related articles: Bicuspid aortic valve
Definition
The bicuspid aortic valve is a congenital cardiac malformation, which consists in the absence of a cusp. The aortic valve, therefore, has two valve leaflets instead of three.
This defect generally does not create problems, as long as it is associated with the normal functioning (continence) of the remaining cusps. Over time, however, it may induce premature calcification of the valve leaflets, which become rigid and open with greater difficulty during systolic contraction.
The bicuspid aortic valve, therefore, can predispose to an aortic stenosis or, less frequently, to an aortic insufficiency.
Possible Causes * of bicuspid aortic valve
- Mastitis
- Turner syndrome
