Conservative Treatment of Unicuspid Aortic Valve with Newly Diagnosed Type A Aortic Dissection

Braz J Cardiovasc Surg. 2020 Dec 1;35(6):1007-1009. doi: 10.21470/1678-9741-2020-0061.

Abstract

We present a case of a 36-year-old male patient with known arthrogryposis multiplex congenita and an associated unicuspid aortic valve. The patient later developed a significant aneurysm of the ascending aorta, however refused surgical intervention and missed follow-up appointments for 5 years. During an urgent, general practitioner-initiated transthoracic echocardiography follow-up, a chronic type A aortic dissection was diagnosed as a result of progressive aortic dilatation. Due to the stationary pressure gradients and non-progressive leaflet fibrosis, a conservative approach for to the unicuspid aortic valve was chosen, combined with replacement of the ascending aorta and partial replacement of the aortic arch.

Keywords: Aorta, Thoracic; Aortic Diseases; Aortic Valve; Aortic Valve Disease 1; Dilatation; Heart Defects, Congenital; Heart Valve Diseases.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aortic Dissection* / diagnostic imaging
  • Aortic Dissection* / surgery
  • Aortic Valve / diagnostic imaging
  • Aortic Valve / surgery
  • Conservative Treatment
  • Heart Valve Diseases
  • Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation*
  • Humans
  • Male

Supplementary concepts

  • unicuspid aortic valve