Bicuspid aortic stenosis anatomy
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
The Bicuspid Aortic Valve has two cusps: one larger than the other. It is considered unobstructive if the edges of the cusps are free. If the edges are fused or no free the aortic valve is considered obstructive developing a dome during systole.
Anatomy
There are five varieties of congenitally abnormal aortic valves based on the number and types of cusps and commisures:
- Unicuspid:
- Acommissural
- Unicommissural
- Bicuspid
- Tricuspid:
- Miniature (small aortic ring)
- Dysplastic
- Cuspal inequality
- Quadricuspid
- Six-cuspid