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Bicuspid Aortic Valve
Open BAV
The opening of a BAV
resembles the open
mouth of a fish, leading to
the term “fish mouth”
valve.
BAV and the Aorta - Coarctation
Aortic coarctation means that a section of the aorta is
narrow, usually the part of the descending aorta just past
the arch.
Some with BAV have this congenital aortic condition. It is
often found and treated in the early years of life.
It is possible to reach adulthood without obvious
symptoms, because other blood vessels take over some
of the blood flow that would normally go through the aorta
(collateral circulation).
However, because blood is trying to flow through a narrow
opening, pressure may still build up. This increased
pressure in the ascending aorta and its branches to the
brain may cause a break in a fragile vessel in the brain,
resulting in bleeding and stroke.
The heart muscle (left ventricle) may also thicken as it
pumps against the resistance due to the narrowed aorta,
and could potentially cause diastolic dysfunction or heart
failure.
Surgery should be planned before complications such as
these happen.
Bicuspid Aortic Valve
Closed BAV
When closed, it may be
difficult to distinguish a
BAV from an aortic valve
with all three leaflets.
Tricuspid Aortic Valve
Closed TAV
A normal aortic valve has
three leaflets or cusps.
Pictured here is a TAV with
the leaflets closed. The
opening of a TAV is
shaped like a triangle.
Aortic Aneurysm
The aorta in those from
BAV families may be
enlarged and balloon out,
which is called an
aneurysm.