Aortic dimensions in patients with bicuspid aortic valve without significant valve dysfunction

The dimensions of the entire aorta at different anatomic levels were measured by transthoracic 2-dimensional echocardiography in 162 consecutive patients with isolated bicuspid aortic valves (BAVs) without significant aortic valve dysfunction. Aortic dilation involved the aortic root and the ascending aorta but was not present in the descending and abdominal aorta. A significant increase in the dimensions of the aortic arch was found in patients with BAVs aged > 40 years. Ascending aortic diameter and the extension of aortic dilation were significantly correlated with age, but no correlation was found between aortic dimensions and aortic valve morphology. (C) 2005 by Excerpta Medica Inc.