Re: Bicuspid Aortic Valves

Posted By CF Cardio MD-SGM on February 20, 1998 at 10:24:59:

In Reply to: Bicuspid Aortic Valves posted by Ray on February 19, 1998 at 22:33:13:







: Hi,
I have an older brother and sister who had bicuspid aortic valves.
A few months ago both developed aortic stenosis.  They both had
valve replacements.  I told my doctor about this and he said my
heart sounded normal and bicuspid valaves are not necessarily a
cause for concern.  I am a male age 57 with none of the symptoms
associated with stenosis.  I also have 2 younger brothers who have
heart mummers.
Given two siblings with bicuspid aortic valves
what is the probability that I have one?  Is furthur screening
justified?  As I understand bicuspid valves give a higher probility
of developing aortic stenosis.  How much higher?  What factors
control getting aortic stenosis if a person has a bicuspid valve.
Thanks
Ray



  


Dear Ray,
Bicuspid aortic valve is a condition where the normal three-leaflet structure of the hearts aortic valve is substituted by a two-leaflet valve.  Most often, this occurs as a sporadic variant of normal, in about two percent of the population.  Sometimes, certain other disorders of the hearts anatomy are associated with bicuspid aortic valves.   I am not aware of any familial pattern to aortic bicuspid valves.  Although statistically possible, it would be highly unlikely that this problem runs in your family, unless there is also another associated congenital or genetic condition that is associated with bicuspid valve.  However, given your concerns, it wouldnt be unreasonable to perform an echocardiogram and determine with certainty whether or not you are affected by this problem.
As you have surmised, many individuals with bicuspid aortic valves will eventually need valve repair or replacement sometime in life, usually in later adulthood.  No specific factors other than time/age and the anatomic structure of the valve influence this outcome.  The fact that your doctor doesnt detect a murmur on your examination is reassuring that you probably dont have bicuspid valve.
Information provided in the Heart Forum is for general medical purposes.  Specific diagnoses and therapies can only be provided by your physician.