Congenital bicuspid aortic valve and an aneurysm of the ascending aorta.
BACKGROUND
A congenital bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) in adults is known to be associated with aortopathy, specifically with aneurysms of the ascending aorta (AA).


METHODS
Ten (16.7%) patients with congenital BAV had an aneurysm of the AA. Aortic valve replacement was performed in 58 patients, repair in two. Aneurysms were repaired by a vertical reduction (tailoring) aortoplasty (VRA) with or without external synthetic grafting (wrapping, wrap) in nine patients, replaced in one.


RESULTS
There were no operative deaths. One patient died 87 months after the operation due to a noncardiac cause. Fifty-four patients are alive and well, without the evidence of recurrence of an aneurysm.


CONCLUSIONS
A VRA with or without external synthetic wrapping appears to be a satisfactory alternative to replacement procedures for the AA aneurysm in older patients with BAV, and those with comorbid conditions.
Olearchyk
Andrew S
AS
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. ASOlearchyk@yahoo.com
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017545:Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery; D001021:Aortic Valve / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000601:surgery; D018376:Cardiovascular Abnormalities / Q000601:surgery; D013504:Cardiovascular Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006349:Heart Valve Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000151:congenital* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016896:Treatment Outcome