Recurrent posterior circulatory emboli from a mildly stenosed bicuspid aortic valve.
Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is a common condition but is only rarely associated with embolic complications. We describe a 42-year-old man with recurrent posterior circulatory ischemic strokes that resulted in ataxia and cognitive impairment. Transesophageal echocardiography demonstrated a BAV with mild stenosis, moderate calcification, and a dilated ascending aorta. The degree of calcification and the valve phenotype might be important factors implicating the BAV as a rare cause of ischemic stroke.
Purvis
John
J
Department of Cardiology, Altnagelvin Hospital, Glenshane Road, Londonderry, UK.
Gordon
Patricia
P
Flynn
Peter
P
McCarron
Mark
M
D000328:Adult; D001021:Aortic Valve / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D001024:Aortic Valve Stenosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D001259:Ataxia / Q000209:etiology; D002545:Brain Ischemia / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D017548:Echocardiography, Transesophageal; D006330:Heart Defects, Congenital / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D020766:Intracranial Embolism / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D012008:Recurrence; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D020521:Stroke / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology