Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
bicuspid aortic valve
A congenital heart defect where the aortic valve has two leaflets instead of the normal three.
Full Definition
Bicuspid aortic valve is the most common congenital cardiac anomaly, affecting 1-2% of the population. Instead of the normal tricuspid structure, the valve consists of two leaflets that may be unequal in size. This malformation predisposes patients to early valve dysfunction, including stenosis and regurgitation, often requiring surgical intervention in adulthood. The condition is frequently associated with aortic root dilatation and coarctation of the aorta.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as BAV in clinical documentation.
In Context
- "The patient's bicuspid aortic valve showed severe calcification requiring replacement." — Operative report
- "Echocardiography revealed a bicuspid aortic valve with moderate stenosis." — Diagnostic report
Also known as
BAV
Contrasted with
tricuspid aortic valve
Don't confuse with
unicuspid aortic valve
quadricuspid aortic valve