Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
commissural fusion
Abnormal joining of aortic valve leaflet commissures, typically seen in congenital aortic stenosis.
Full Definition
Commissural fusion occurs when the normal separation points between aortic valve leaflets become joined, usually as a congenital abnormality but sometimes acquired through rheumatic disease. This fusion restricts valve opening and creates aortic stenosis. Surgical options include commissurotomy to separate fused commissures or valve replacement when fusion is extensive or calcified.
Usage
Usage note: Specify which commissures are involved (right-left, right-non, left-non coronary).
In Context
- "Intraoperative findings revealed severe commissural fusion between the right and non-coronary cusps." — Operative report
- "The degree of commissural fusion was too extensive for successful commissurotomy." — Surgical consultation
Also known as
commissural adhesion
Contrasted with
commissural separation
Don't confuse with
commissural prolapse
commissural dehiscence