Morphology of Bicuspid Aortic Valve in Adult Human Cadaver: In Correlation with Clinical Relevance

The bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is the most frequent congenital anomaly of the heart in adults. BAV is composed of two cusps, morphologically and functionally. BAV are often associated with other cardiovascular malformations, coarctation of aorta, aortic dilatation. BAV is associated with number of complications; aortic stenosis, aortic regurgitation, aortic dissection and infective endocarditis. The morphology of the bicuspid or bicommissural aortic valve (BAV) may predict the severity of valve dysfunction. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between aortic valve morphology in relation with its clinical significance. Sixty formalin fixed cadaveric hearts specimens irrespective of age, sex, and race were collected and serially numbered from 1 to 60. The aortic valve of heart was dissected and opened. The characteristics and morphology of the bicuspid aortic valve is studied. A total of 3 specimens (5%) had congenitally malformed valves (bicuspid valve) in 60 heart specimens examined. On dissection a well defined bicuspid aortic valve was found with calcification and friable valve leaflet. No other congenital anomalies were noted in these hearts. Analysis of BAV morphology is of clinical and prognostic relevance.