J Cardiovasc Ultrasound.  2011 Jun;19(2):102-104. 10.4250/jcu.2011.19.2.102.

Incidental Diagnosis of the Unicuspid Aortic Valve with Ascending Aortic Aneurysm in an Asymptomatic Adult

• Kang SD
• Seol SH
• Park BM
• Kim DK
• Kim KH
• Kim DI
• Seo JS
• Kim DS
• Kim HK
• Song JW

• KMID: 1980361
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4250/jcu.2011.19.2.102

Abstract

The unicuspid aortic valve is an extremely rare congenital anomaly. It usually presents with aortic stenosis and/or aortic regurgitation. Other cardiovascular complications, such as aortic dilatation and left ventricular hypertrophy can accompany it. Herein, we present a case report of a 50-year-old asymptomatic male patient with unicuspid aortic valve, complicated by ascending aortic aneurysm.

Keyword

Unicuspid aortic valve; Ascending aortic aneurysm

MeSH Terms

Adult
Aortic Aneurysm
Aortic Valve
Aortic Valve Insufficiency
Aortic Valve Stenosis
Dilatation
Humans
Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular
Male
Middle Aged

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Transthoracic echocardiography at the parasternal short axis view shows posteriorly situated eccentric aortic valve orifice extending to the annulus. LA: left atrium, RA: right atrium, RV: right ventricle.

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  Fig. 2 Transesophageal echocardiographic mid-esophageal aortic short axis view (i.e. 50° view) is showing the unicuspid valve at systole (A) and diastole (B). A: In systole, the eccentric valvular orifice is extending to the annulus and showing a 'tear drop' opening. B: In diastole, there is posterior commissural attachment to the aorta. LA: left atrium, RA: right atrium, RV: right ventricle.

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  Fig. 3 Live three-dimensional echocardiography demonstrates posterior funnel-shaped valve, with an eccentric orifice at systole (A) and posteriorly positioned commissural attachment at diastole (B). AV: aortic valve, MV: mitral valve.

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  Fig. 4 The 640-slice cardiac computed tomography shows ascending aortic aneurysm (*) and thickened unicuspid valve (arrow) with eccentric unicommissural orifice (arrow head) in diastole. MPR: multiplanar reformation, 3D: three dimensional, VR: volume rendering.

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