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Intermediate Technical IVT

aortic cusp prolapse

Displacement of an aortic valve cusp below the level of the aortic annulus during diastole.

Full Definition

Aortic cusp prolapse occurs when one or more aortic valve cusps descend below the plane of the aortic annulus during ventricular diastole, typically resulting from cusp redundancy, annular dilatation, or commissural disruption. This condition commonly leads to aortic regurgitation and may occur as a complication of aortic root procedures or as a primary degenerative process. The degree of prolapse is often quantified echocardiographically and influences surgical decision-making regarding valve repair versus replacement.

Usage

Usage note: Specify which cusp(s) are affected when documenting; may be described as mild, moderate, or severe based on degree of displacement.

In Context

  • "Intraoperative TEE revealed significant right coronary cusp prolapse with severe aortic regurgitation." — operative note
  • "The echocardiogram demonstrated mild aortic cusp prolapse without hemodynamically significant regurgitation." — cardiology consultation

Also known as

cusp prolapse aortic valve prolapse

Contrasted with

cusp restriction

Don't confuse with

cusp perforation commissural fusion

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