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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) disease is observed in 1-2% of the general population. In addition to valve-related complications (such as aortic stenosis and aortic regurgitation), individuals with BAV often develop dilatation of the proximal aorta (aortic root and ascending aorta), a condition termed BAV aortopathy. The development of BAV aortopathy can occur independent of valvular alterations and can lead to aneurysm formation, aortic dissection or aortic rupture. This review aims to update the clinician with an approach to BAV aortopathy decision making in keeping with the 2022 American College of Cardiology (ACC)/American Heart Association (AHA) Guideline recommendations. RECENT FINDINGS The ACC/AHA 2022 guidelines provide a contemporary and comprehensive approach to the diagnosis and treatment of aortic pathologies. We review the thresholds for replacement of the aortic root and/or ascending aorta along with the strength and level of evidence recommendations. We also review the various Class 2A and 2B recommendations for earlier intervention, which emphasize the importance of experienced surgeons, and multidisciplinary aortic teams (MATs). SUMMARY BAV aortopathy is a common and heterogenous clinical problem. The decision making around timing of intervention requires a personalized approach that is based on the aortic dimensions, valve function, rate of growth, family history, patient factors, and surgical experience within MATs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raj Verma
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Gideon Cohen
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Sunnybrook Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jillian Colbert
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Paul W M Fedak
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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2
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Meijs TA, van Tuijl RJ, van den Brink H, Weaver NA, Siero JCW, van der Worp HB, Braun KPJ, Leiner T, de Jong PA, Zwanenburg JJM, Doevendans PA, Voskuil M, Grotenhuis HB. Assessment of aortic and cerebral haemodynamics and vascular brain injury with 3 and 7 T magnetic resonance imaging in patients with aortic coarctation. EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL OPEN 2023; 3:oead001. [PMID: 36751560 PMCID: PMC9898880 DOI: 10.1093/ehjopen/oead001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Aims Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) is characterized by a central arteriopathy resulting in increased arterial stiffness. The condition is associated with an increased risk of stroke. We aimed to assess the aortic and cerebral haemodynamics and the presence of vascular brain injury in patients with previous surgical CoA repair. Methods and results Twenty-seven patients with CoA (median age 22 years, range 12-72) and 25 age- and sex-matched controls (median age 24 years, range 12-64) underwent 3 T (heart, aorta, and brain) and 7 T (brain) magnetic resonance imaging scans. Haemodynamic parameters were measured using two-dimensional phase-contrast images of the ascending and descending aorta, internal carotid artery (ICA), basilar artery (BA), middle cerebral artery (MCA), and perforating arteries. Vascular brain injury was assessed by rating white matter hyperintensities, cortical microinfarcts, lacunes, and microbleeds. Pulse wave velocities in the aortic arch and descending aorta were increased and ascending aortic distensibility was decreased in patients with CoA vs. controls. Patients with CoA showed a higher mean flow velocity in the right ICA, left ICA, and BA and a reduced distensibility in the right ICA, BA, and left MCA. Haemodynamic parameters in the perforating arteries, total cerebral blood flow, intracranial volumes, and vascular brain injury were similar between the groups. Conclusion Patients with CoA show an increased flow velocity and reduced distensibility in the aorta and proximal cerebral arteries, which suggests the presence of a generalized arteriopathy that extends into the cerebral arterial tree. No substantial vascular brain injury was observed in this relatively young CoA population, although the study was inadequately powered regarding this endpoint.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rick J van Tuijl
- Department of Radiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Hilde van den Brink
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Nick A Weaver
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen C W Siero
- Department of Radiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - H Bart van der Worp
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Kees P J Braun
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Tim Leiner
- Department of Radiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Pim A de Jong
- Department of Radiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jaco J M Zwanenburg
- Department of Radiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Pieter A Doevendans
- Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584CX Utrecht, The Netherlands,Netherlands Heart Institute, Moreelsepark 1, 3511 EP Utrecht, The Netherlands,Department of Cardiology, Central Military Hospital, Lundlaan 1, 3584 EZ Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Fatehi Hassanabad A, King MA, Di Martino E, Fedak PWM, Garcia J. Clinical implications of the biomechanics of bicuspid aortic valve and bicuspid aortopathy. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:922353. [PMID: 36035900 PMCID: PMC9411999 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.922353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV), which affects up to 2% of the general population, results from the abnormal fusion of the cusps of the aortic valve. Patients with BAV are at a higher risk for developing aortic dilatation, a condition known as bicuspid aortopathy, which is associated with potentially life-threatening sequelae such as aortic dissection and aortic rupture. Although BAV biomechanics have been shown to contribute to aortopathy, their precise impact is yet to be delineated. Herein, we present the latest literature related to BAV biomechanics. We present the most recent definitions and classifications for BAV. We also summarize the current evidence pertaining to the mechanisms that drive bicuspid aortopathy. We highlight how aberrant flow patterns can contribute to the development of aortic dilatation. Finally, we discuss the role cardiac magnetic resonance imaging can have in assessing and managing patient with BAV and bicuspid aortopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Fatehi Hassanabad
- Section of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Cardiac Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Melissa A. King
- Section of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Cardiac Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Elena Di Martino
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Centre for Bioengineering Research and Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Paul W. M. Fedak
- Section of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Cardiac Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Julio Garcia
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Stephenson Cardiac Imaging Centre, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Radiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- *Correspondence: Julio Garcia
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Campisi S, Jayendiran R, Condemi F, Viallon M, Croisille P, Avril S. Significance of Hemodynamics Biomarkers, Tissue Biomechanics and Numerical Simulations in the Pathogenesis of Ascending Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms. Curr Pharm Des 2021; 27:1890-1898. [PMID: 33319666 DOI: 10.2174/1381612826999201214231648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Guidelines for the treatment of aortic wall diseases are based on measurements of maximum aortic diameter. However, aortic rupture or dissections do occur for small aortic diameters. Growing scientific evidence underlines the importance of biomechanics and hemodynamics in aortic disease development and progression. Wall shear stress (WWS) is an important hemodynamics marker that depends on aortic wall morphology and on the aortic valve function. WSS could be helpful to interpret aortic wall remodeling and define personalized risk criteria. The complementarity of Computational Fluid Dynamics and 4D Magnetic Resonance Imaging as tools for WSS assessment is a promising reality. The potentiality of these innovative technologies will provide maps or atlases of hemodynamics biomarkers to predict aortic tissue dysfunction. Ongoing efforts should focus on the correlation between these non-invasive imaging biomarkers and clinico-pathologic situations for the implementation of personalized medicine in current clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Campisi
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery; University Hospistal of Saint Etienne, France
| | - Raja Jayendiran
- Mines Saint-Etienne, Univ Lyon, Univ Jean Monnet, INSERM, U 1059 Sainbiose, Centre CIS, F - 42023 Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Francesca Condemi
- Mines Saint-Etienne, Univ Lyon, Univ Jean Monnet, INSERM, U 1059 Sainbiose, Centre CIS, F - 42023 Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Magalie Viallon
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital of Saint Etienne, France
| | - Pierre Croisille
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital of Saint Etienne, France
| | - Stéphane Avril
- Mines Saint-Etienne, Univ Lyon, Univ Jean Monnet, INSERM, U 1059 Sainbiose, Centre CIS, F - 42023 Saint-Etienne, France
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5
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Etz CD, Haunschild J, Girdauskas E, Della Corte A, Fedak PWM, Schäfers HJ, Sundt TM, Borger MA. Surgical management of the aorta in BAV patients. Prog Cardiovasc Dis 2020; 63:475-481. [PMID: 32640281 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcad.2020.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Patients with a bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) frequently develop aneurysms of the aortic root and tubular ascending aorta. Aneurysms of the aortic arch, in the absence of concomitant aortopathies, are much less common. According to the 2018 American Association of Thoracic Surgery consensus guidelines on BAV-related aortopathy, prophylactic surgical aortic repair / replacement is recommended starting at a maximum aortic diameter of 50 mm in patients with risk factors. Concomitant aortic surgery is also recommended at an aortic diameter of 45 mm in those patients with other indications for cardiac surgery (most commonly aortic valve procedures). The ultimate goal of prophylactic aortic surgery is the prevention of aortic catastrophes, e.g. aortic rupture or acute aortic dissection, which are associated with high morbidity and mortality. The surgical technique used - in elective and emergency cases - depends on the involvement and nature of the aortic valve disease, as well as the extent of aortic aneurysm formation. The current review focusses on the surgical management of the aortic root, tubular ascending aorta, and proximal aortic arch in BAV patients. Despite the abovementioned recommendations, many BAV patients develop acute aortic syndromes below the recommended aortic diameter thresholds. Further research is therefore required in order to identify high-risk BAV subgroups that would benefit from earlier surgical repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian D Etz
- University Clinic of Cardiac Surgery, Leipzig Heart Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Evaldas Girdauskas
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, University Heart Center Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Alessandro Della Corte
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Paul W M Fedak
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Calgary, Canada
| | - Hans-Joachim Schäfers
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Thoralf M Sundt
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Michael A Borger
- University Clinic of Cardiac Surgery, Leipzig Heart Center, Leipzig, Germany.
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Lo Presti F, Guzzardi DG, Bancone C, Fedak PWM, Della Corte A. The science of BAV aortopathy. Prog Cardiovasc Dis 2020; 63:465-474. [PMID: 32599028 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcad.2020.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The aortopathy associated with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is an epidemiologically relevant source of chronic and acute aortic disease (aneurysm and dissection). However, its pathogenesis is still the object of scientific uncertainties and debates. Indeed, the mechanisms determining the diseases of the ascending aorta in BAV patients are most likely complex and multifactorial, i.e. resulting from variable modes of interplay between genetic and hemodynamic factors. Although few scientific studies have so far taken into adequate account this complexity, leaving the precise sequence of pathogenetic events still undiscovered, the accumulated evidence from previous research approaches have at least brought about important insights. While genetic studies have so far identified variants relevant to either valve malformation or aortic complications (including those in the genes NOTCH1, TGFBR2, ACTA2, GATA5, NKX2.5, SMAD6, ROBO4), however each explaining not more than 5% of the study population, other investigations have thoroughly described both the flow features, with consequent forces acting on the arterial wall (including skewed flow jet direction, rotational flow, wall shear stress), and the main changes in the molecular and cellular wall structure (including extracellular matrix degradation, smooth muscle cell changes, oxidative stress, unbalance of TGF-β signaling, aberrant endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition). All of this evidence, together with the recognition of the diverse phenotypes that the aortopathy can assume in BAV patients, holding possible prognostic significance, is reviewed in this chapter. The complex and multifaceted body of knowledge resulting from clinical and basic science studies on BAV aortopathy has the potential to importantly influence modes of clinical management of this disease in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Lo Presti
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - David G Guzzardi
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada
| | - Ciro Bancone
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Paul W M Fedak
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada
| | - Alessandro Della Corte
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy.
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Della Corte A, Michelena HI, Citarella A, Votta E, Piatti F, Lo Presti F, Ashurov R, Cipollaro M, Forte A. Risk Stratification in Bicuspid Aortic Valve Aortopathy: Emerging Evidence and Future Perspectives. Curr Probl Cardiol 2019; 46:100428. [PMID: 31296418 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2019.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The current management of aortic dilatation associated with congenital bicuspid aortic valve (bicuspid aortic valve aortopathy) is based on dimensional parameters (diameter of the aneurysm, growth of the diameter over time) and few other criteria. The disease is however heterogeneous in terms of natural and clinical history and risk of acute complications, ie aortic dissection. Dimensional criteria are now admitted to have limited value as predictors of such complications. Thus, novel principles for risk stratification have been recently investigated, including phenotypic criteria, flow-related metrics, and circulating biomarkers. A systematization of the typical anatomoclinical forms that the aortopathy can assume has led to the identification of the more severe root phenotype, associated with higher risk of progression of the aneurysm and possible higher aortic dissection risk. Four-dimensional-flow magnetic resonance imaging studies are searching for potentially clinically significant metrics of flow derangement, based on the recognized association of local abnormal shear stress with wall pathology. Other research initiatives are addressing the question whether circulating molecules could predict the presence or, more importantly, the future development of aortopathy. The present review summarizes the latest progresses in the knowledge on risk stratification of bicuspid aortic valve aortopathy, focusing on critical aspects and debated points.
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Fatehi Hassanabad A, Feindel CM, Verma S, Fedak PWM. Evolving Surgical Approaches to Bicuspid Aortic Valve Associated Aortopathy. Front Cardiovasc Med 2019; 6:19. [PMID: 30886849 PMCID: PMC6409296 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2019.00019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is the most common congenital cardiac pathology which results from the fusion of two adjacent aortic valve cusps. It is associated with dilatation of the aorta, known as bicuspid valve-associated aortopathy or bicuspid aortopathy. Bicuspid aortopathy is progressive and is linked with adverse clinical events. Hence, frequent monitoring and early intervention with prophylactic surgical resection of the proximal aorta is often recommended. Over the past two decades resection strategies and surgical interventions have mainly been directed by surgeon and institution preferences. These practices have ranged from conservative to aggressive approaches based on aortic size and growth criteria. This strategy, however, may not best reflect the risks of important aortic events. A new set of guidelines was proposed for the treatment of bicuspid aortopathy. Herein, we will highlight the most recent findings pertinent to bicuspid aortopathy and its management in the context of a case presentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Fatehi Hassanabad
- Section of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Cardiac Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Christopher M Feindel
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Subodh Verma
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, St Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Paul W M Fedak
- Section of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Cardiac Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Martha and Richard Melman Family Bicuspid Aortic Valve Program, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
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