Severely calcified bicuspid aortic valve stenosis after valve-sparing root replacement: A word of caution

J Card Surg. 2020 Feb;35(2):454-456. doi: 10.1111/jocs.14348. Epub 2019 Nov 15.

Abstract

A 58-year-old man was admitted for reoperation for severe aortic stenosis in a previously preserved bicuspid aortic valve (BAV). He had undergone valve-sparing root replacement (VSSR) for dilated aortic root 6 years ago. Transesophageal echocardiography following VSSR showed good valve function with no aortic incompetence. However, the BAV became stenotic causing shortness of breath. At reoperation, the preserved BAV was noted to be fibrotic and calcified and had a fixed rigid small orifice. It was replaced with a biological valve plus root enlargement. Macroscopic finding showed thickening of the cusps and nodular calcification. Microscopic examination revealed severe nodular calcification.

Keywords: bicuspid aortic valve; calcification; stenosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aortic Valve / abnormalities*
  • Aortic Valve / diagnostic imaging
  • Aortic Valve / pathology*
  • Aortic Valve / surgery*
  • Aortic Valve Stenosis / surgery*
  • Bicuspid Aortic Valve Disease
  • Calcinosis / surgery
  • Echocardiography, Transesophageal
  • Heart Valve Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Heart Valve Diseases / pathology
  • Heart Valve Diseases / surgery*
  • Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation / methods*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Organ Sparing Treatments / methods*
  • Recurrence
  • Reoperation
  • Severity of Illness Index