The Bicuspid Aortic Valve Condition: The Critical Role of Echocardiography and the Case for a Standard Nomenclature Consensus

Prog Cardiovasc Dis. 2018 Nov-Dec;61(5-6):404-415. doi: 10.1016/j.pcad.2018.11.003. Epub 2018 Nov 6.

Abstract

The bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) condition is characterized by prominent heterogeneity of its valvular phenotypic expression, of its associated disorders, its complications and its prognosis. Echocardiography serves as the first-line imaging modality in 5 major capacities: (1) BAV diagnosis, (2) valvular phenotyping, (3) assessment of valvular function, (4) measurement of the thoracic aorta and exclusion of aortic coarctation, and (5) assessment of uncommon but serious complications such as infective endocarditis and aortic dissection. This article presents a nosological perspective on the BAV condition, discusses the critical role of echocardiography as it relates to these 5 aforementioned capacities; and makes the case for a unified standard nomenclature for the BAV condition.

Keywords: Aorta; Bicuspid aortic valve; Echocardiography; Nomenclature.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Video-Audio Media

MeSH terms

  • Aortic Valve / abnormalities*
  • Aortic Valve / diagnostic imaging
  • Bicuspid Aortic Valve Disease
  • Consensus
  • Echocardiography*
  • Heart Valve Diseases / classification
  • Heart Valve Diseases / complications
  • Heart Valve Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Heart Valve Diseases / therapy
  • Humans
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Prognosis
  • Risk Factors
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Terminology as Topic*