Histopathology of aortic complications in bicuspid aortic valve versus Marfan syndrome: relevance for therapy?

Patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) and patients with Marfan syndrome (MFS) are more prone to develop aortic dilation and dissection compared to persons with a tricuspid aortic valve (TAV). To elucidate potential common and distinct pathways of clinical relevance, we compared the histopathological substrates of aortopathy. Ascending aortic wall biopsies were divided in five groups: BAV (n = 36) and TAV (n = 23) without and with dilation and non-dilated MFS (n = 8).

Bicuspid aortic valve: phosphorylation of c-Kit and downstream targets are prognostic for future aortopathy.

Objectives: The clinical course of many patients with a bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is complicated by ascending aortic dilatation. Currently, the indication for aortic surgery is solely based on the aortic diameter and subsequently only a small proportion of BAV patients undergoing valve surgery require concomitant ascending aortic replacement based on these recommendations. Unfortunately, a substantial number of BAV patients still develop aortic dilatation in the future and would potentially benefit from a more aggressive approach towards ascending aortic replacement.

Ascending aorta dilation in association with bicuspid aortic valve: a maturation defect of the aortic wall.

Objective: Patients with a bicuspid aortic valve have increased susceptibility to the development of ascending aortic dilation and dissection compared with persons with a tricuspid valve. To unravel a possible different mechanism underlying dilation in bicuspidy and tricuspidy, a comparison of the structure of the aortic wall was made.

Methods: Ascending aortic wall biopsies were divided into 4 groups: bicuspid (n=36) and tricuspid (n=23) without and with dilation.

Antimicrobial treatment to impair expansion of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA): a systematic review of the clinical evidence.

Antimicrobial treatment to attenuate expansion of abdominal aortic aneurysm has been suggested, especially with the focus on Chlamydophila. In this systematic literature review only four randomized trials were identified. In two small studies there is an indication of an effect of roxithromycin.