scholarly journals The Development of the Ascending Aortic Wall in Tricuspid and Bicuspid Aortic Valve: A Process from Maturation to Degeneration

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 908
Author(s):  
Nimrat Grewal ◽  
Adriana C. Gittenberger-de Groot ◽  
Jan von der Thusen ◽  
Lambertus J. Wisse ◽  
Margot M. Bartelings ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Aortic Valve ◽  
Young Child ◽  
Bicuspid Aortic Valve ◽  
Aortic Wall ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Intimal Thickening ◽  
Aortic Dilation ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Two Phases

Background: Patients with a bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) have an increased risk for aortic dilation and dissection. In this study, we provide a histological stratification of the developing aorta in the tricuspid aortic valve (TAV) and the BAV populations as a reference for future studies on aortopathy and related syndromes. Methods: Non-dilated TAV and BAV ascending aortic wall samples were collected, including 60 TAV (embryonic–70 years) and 32 BAV specimens (fetal–72 years, categorized in eight age groups. Results: In TAV, intimal development starts in the neonatal phase. After birth, the thickness of the medial layer increases significantly by increase of elastic lamellae up to and including the “young child” phase stabilizing afterwards. The BAV shows already prenatal intimal thickening becoming significantly thinner after birth subsequently stabilizing. In BAV, increase in elastic lamellae is seen between the young child and the adolescent phases, stabilizing afterwards. Conclusions: Vascular development in TAV is described in three phases: maturation, stabilization, and degeneration. For BAV, the development can be described in two phases: maturation (already prenatally) and degeneration. After birth, the development of the aorta is characterized by degeneration, leading to weakening of the ascending aortic wall and increasing the risk of aortopathy.

scholarly journals Disturbed nitric oxide signalling gives rise to congenital bicuspid aortic valve and aortopathy

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. dmm044990
Author(s):  
Joshua C. Peterson ◽  
Lambertus J. Wisse ◽  
Valerie Wirokromo ◽  
Tessa van Herwaarden ◽  
Anke M. Smits ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nitric Oxide ◽  
Aortic Valve ◽  
Bicuspid Aortic Valve ◽  
Neural Crest Cell ◽  
Ascending Aorta ◽  
Aortic Aneurysms ◽  
Aortic Dilation ◽  
Elastic Fibres ◽  
Increased Risk

ABSTRACTPatients with a congenital bicuspid aortic valve (BAV), a valve with two instead of three aortic leaflets, have an increased risk of developing thoracic aneurysms and aortic dissection. The mechanisms underlying BAV-associated aortopathy are poorly understood. This study examined BAV-associated aortopathy in Nos3−/− mice, a model with congenital BAV formation. A combination of histological examination and in vivo ultrasound imaging was used to investigate aortic dilation and dissections in Nos3−/− mice. Moreover, cell lineage analysis and single-cell RNA sequencing were used to observe the molecular anomalies within vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) of Nos3−/− mice. Spontaneous aortic dissections were found in ascending aortas located at the sinotubular junction in ∼13% of Nos3−/− mice. Moreover, Nos3−/− mice were prone to developing aortic dilations in the proximal and distal ascending aorta during early adulthood. Lower volumes of elastic fibres were found within vessel walls of the ascending aortas of Nos3−/− mice, as well as incomplete coverage of the aortic inner media by neural crest cell (NCC)-derived VSMCs. VSMCs of Nos3−/− mice showed downregulation of 15 genes, of which seven were associated with aortic aneurysms and dissections in the human population. Elastin mRNA was most markedly downregulated, followed by fibulin-5 expression, both primary components of elastic fibres. This study demonstrates that, in addition to congenital BAV formation, disrupted endothelial-mediated nitric oxide (NO) signalling in Nos3−/− mice also causes aortic dilation and dissection, as a consequence of inhibited elastic fibre formation in VSMCs within the ascending aorta.

scholarly journals Plasma Metabolomic Profiling Associates Bicuspid Aortic Valve Disease and Ascending Aortic Dilation with a Decrease in Antioxidant Capacity

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 2215
Author(s):  
Neus Martínez-Micaelo ◽  
Carme Ligero ◽  
Borja Antequera-González ◽  
Alexandra Junza ◽  
Oscar Yanes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Aortic Valve ◽  
Antioxidant Capacity ◽  
Bicuspid Aortic Valve ◽  
Plasma Levels ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Endothelial Damage ◽  
Alpha Tocopherol ◽  
Paraoxonase 1 ◽  
Aortic Dilation ◽  
Increased Risk

Background: The bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is the most common cardiac congenital disease and is associated with an increased risk of developing ascending aorta dilation; which can have fatal consequences. Currently; no established risk biomarkers exist to facilitate the diagnosis and prognosis of BAV. Methods: Using an untargeted metabolomic approach; we identified the levels of metabolites in plasma samples and compared them depending on the bicuspid or tricuspid morphology of the aortic valve. Including those patients with ascending aortic dilation and/or aortic stenosis (n = 212), we analyzed the role possibly played by alpha-Tocopherol in BAV disease; considering its association with the pathophysiological characteristics of BAV and biomarkers related to inflammation, oxidative stress and endothelial damage, as well as characteristics related to alpha-Tocopherol functionality and metabolism. Results: We found that BAV patients; especially those with ascending aortic dilation; presented lower antioxidant capacity; as determined by decreased plasma levels of alpha-Tocopherol; paraoxonase 1 and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), as well as increased levels of C-reactive protein (CRP; a biomarker of inflammation) and endothelial microparticles (EMPs; an endothelial damage biomarker). By applying random forest analyses; we evaluated the significant screening capacity of alpha-Tocopherol; CRP and EMPs to classify patients depending on the morphology of the aortic valve. Discussion: Our findings support the role of decreased antioxidant capacity; increased inflammation and endothelial damage in the pathogenesis of BAV and the progression of aortic dilation. Moreover; determining the plasma levels of alpha-Tocopherol; CRP and EMPs could improve BAV diagnosis in large populations.

scholarly journals Bicuspid aortic valve morphology and aortic valvular outflow jets: an experimental analysis using an MRI-compatible pulsatile flow circulation system

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kaoru Hattori ◽  
Natsuki Nakama ◽  
Jumpei Takada ◽  
Gohki Nishimura ◽  
Ryo Moriwaki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Aortic Valve ◽  
Bicuspid Aortic Valve ◽  
Pulsatile Flow ◽  
Aortic Wall ◽  
Ascending Aorta ◽  
Circulation System ◽  
Resonance Imaging ◽  
Left Posterior ◽  
Flow Circulation ◽  
The Right

AbstractThe characteristics of aortic valvular outflow jet affect aortopathy in the bicuspid aortic valve (BAV). This study aimed to elucidate the effects of BAV morphology on the aortic valvular outflow jets. Morphotype-specific valve-devising apparatuses were developed to create aortic valve models. A magnetic resonance imaging-compatible pulsatile flow circulation system was developed to quantify the outflow jet. The eccentricity and circulation values of the peak systolic jet were compared among tricuspid aortic valve (TAV), three asymmetric BAVs, and two symmetric BAVs. The results showed mean aortic flow and leakage did not differ among the five BAVs (six samples, each). Asymmetric BAVs demonstrated the eccentric outflow jets directed to the aortic wall facing the smaller leaflets. In the asymmetric BAV with the smaller leaflet facing the right-anterior, left-posterior, and left-anterior quadrants of the aorta, the outflow jets exclusively impinged on the outer curvature of the ascending aorta, proximal arch, and the supra-valvular aortic wall, respectively. Symmetric BAVs demonstrated mildly eccentric outflow jets that did not impinge on the aortic wall. The circulation values at peak systole increased in asymmetric BAVs. The bicuspid symmetry and the position of smaller leaflet were determinant factors of the characteristics of aortic valvular outflow jet.

Age differences in mortality in patients undergoing surgery for infective endocarditis

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
L Ostergaard ◽  
M.H Smerup ◽  
K Iversen ◽  
A.D Jensen ◽  
A Dahl ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Infective Endocarditis ◽  
Aortic Valve ◽  
Hospital Mortality ◽  
Hazard Analysis ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Prosthetic Heart Valve ◽  
Valve Surgery ◽  
Aortic Valve Surgery ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Increased Risk

Abstract Background Infective endocarditis (IE) is associated with high mortality. Surgery may improve survival, but the intercept between benefit and harm is hard to balance and may be closely related to age. Purpose To examine the in-hospital and 90-day mortality in patients undergoing surgery for IE and to identify differences between age groups and type of valvular intervention. Methods By crosslinking nationwide Danish registries we identified patients with first-time IE undergoing surgical treatment in the period from 2000 to 2017. The study population was grouped in patients <60 years, 60–75 years, and ≥75 years of age. High-risk subgroups by age and surgical valve intervention (mitral vs aortic vs mitral+aortic) during IE admission were examined. Kaplan Meier estimates was used to identify 90-day mortality by age groups and multivariable adjusted Cox proportional hazard analysis was used to examine factors associated with 90-day mortality. Results We included 1,767 patients with IE undergoing surgery, 735 patients <60 years (24.1% female), 766 patients 60–75 years (25.8% female), and 266 patients >75 years (36.1% female). The proportion of patients with IE undergoing surgery was 35.3%, 26.9%, and 9.1% for patients <60 years, 60–75 years, and >75 years, respectively. For patients with IE undergoing surgery, the in-hospital mortality was 6.4%, 13.6%, and 20.3% for patients <60 years, 60–75 years, and ≥75 years of age, respectively and mortality at 90 days were 7.5%, 13.9%, and 22.3%, respectively. Factors associated with an increased risk 90-day mortality were: mitral valve surgery and a combination of mitral and aortic valve surgery as compared with isolated aortic valve surgery, patients 60–75 years and >75 years as compared with patients aged <60 years, prosthetic heart valve prior to IE admission, and diabetes, Figure. Patients >75 years undergoing a combination of mitral and aortic valve surgery had an in-hospital mortality of 36.3%. Conclusion In patients undergoing surgery for IE, a stepwise increase in 90-day mortality was seen for age groups, highest among patients >75 years with a 90-day mortality of more than 20%. Patients undergoing mitral and combined mitral and aortic valve surgery as compared to isolated aortic valve surgery were associated with a higher mortality. These findings may be of importance for the management strategy of patients with IE. Mortality risk Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

scholarly journals Fate of mild-to-moderate bicuspid aortic valve disease untreated during ascending aorta replacement

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessandro Verzini ◽  
Marta Bargagna ◽  
Guido Ascione ◽  
Alessandra Sala ◽  
Davide Carino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Aortic Valve ◽  
Bicuspid Aortic Valve ◽  
Ascending Aorta ◽  
Term Survival ◽  
Kaplan Meier ◽  
Aortic Root Surgery ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Aorta Replacement ◽  
Ascending Aorta Replacement

Background: Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is the most common congenital heart defect and it is responsible for an increased risk of developing aortic valve and ascending aorta complications. In case of mild to moderate BAV disease in patients undergoing supracoronary ascending aorta replacement, it is unclear whether a concomitant aortic valve replacement should be performed. Methods: From June 2002 to January 2020, 75 patients with mild-to-moderate BAV regurgitation (± mild-to-moderate stenosis) who underwent isolated supracoronary ascending aorta replacement were retrospectively analyze. Clinical and echocardiographic follow-up was 100% complete (mean: 7.4±3.9 years, max 16.4). Kaplan Meier estimates were employed to analyze long-term survival. Cumulative incidence function for time to re-operation, recurrence of aortic regurgitation (AR)≥3+ and aortic stenosis (AS) greater than moderate, with death as competing risk, were computed. Results: There was no hospital mortality and no cardiac death occurred. Overall survival at 12 years was 97.4±2.5%, 95% CI [83.16-99.63]. At follow-up there were no cases of aortic root surgery whereas 3 patients underwent AV replacement. At 12 years the CIF of reoperation was 2.6±2.5%, 95% CI [0.20-11.53]. At follow up, AR 3+/4+ was present in 1 pt and AS greater than moderate in 3. At 12 years the CIF of AR>2+/4+ was 5.1±4.98% and of AS>moderate 6.9±3.8%. Conclusions: In our study mild to moderate regurgitation of a BAV did not significantly worse at least up to 10 years after isolated supracoronary ascending aorta replacement.

Abstract 102: Granular Media Calcinosis in the Aortic Wall of Patients With Bicuspid and Tricuspid Aortic Valves

2014 ◽  
Vol 34 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandy von Salisch ◽  
Josephina Haunschild ◽  
Martin Misfeld ◽  
Michael A Borger ◽  
Stefan Dhein ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Aortic Valve ◽  
Bicuspid Aortic Valve ◽  
Granular Media ◽  
Aortic Wall ◽  
Aortic Disease ◽  
Dissecting Aneurysm ◽  
Media Thickness ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Media ◽  
Aneurysm Dissection

Background: Bicuspid aortic valve is the most frequent congenital cardiac abnormality and associated with proximal aortic disease (i.e. aneurysm, dissection or rupture). Granular media calcinosis(GMC)--suggested to increase stiffness and play a pathogenetic role in dissecting aneurysm--has not yet been quantified in BAV. Methods: Specimen of the proximal aortic wall from 76 patients--32 with tricuspid (TAV) and 44 with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV)--were obtained during surgery to quantify media thickness and GMC by von Kossa staining (panel C), comparing the convexity (Cvx) and concavity (Ccv) in BAV vs. TAV. Results: Interlamellar GMC affected the most central layers of the media and those adjacent to the outer adventitia with a doubling within both--the Cvx and Ccv--of pts with BAV compared to patients with TAV (13.3±9.6 vs. 6.6±7.4 and 12.8±10.8 vs. 6.4±7.1; p<0.05, panel A) was seen, but neither a difference in calcification between the Ccx and the Ccv side within the BAV nor the TAV group. No association between age and calcification grade , neither in the Cvx nor the Ccv (r=0.132, p=0.218 and 0.103, p=0.341) was seen. There was a significant difference in the total media thickness between BAV and TAV at the Cvx (867±162μm vs . 993±158μm; p<0.05) and the Ccv (1005 ± 236 vs 1223 ± 217μm; p<0.05, panel B). Independent of aortic valve morphology, the Cvx was thinner than the Ccv side (TAV: 993 ± 158 vs.1223 ± 217μm; p<0.001; BAV: 869 ± 162 vs.1005 ± 236μm; p<0.05, panel B). Conclusion: BAVs had significantly thinner media and twice as much GMC than their tricuspid peers possibly associated with the loosening of the bond between the elastic lamellae causing a decrease in elasticity possibly explaining a higher risk for dissection and rupture.

Abstract 349: Outcomes Among Women With Bicuspid Aortic Valve and/or Bicuspid Aortopathy During Pregnancy

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarina Meikle ◽  
Jenny Wu ◽  
David Bach ◽  
Marion Hofmann Bowman ◽  
Mark Norris ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Aortic Valve ◽  
Aortic Dissection ◽  
Bicuspid Aortic Valve ◽  
Gestational Age ◽  
Beta Blockers ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Vaginal Deliveries ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Aortic Dissections

Background: Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is associated with an increased risk of aortic dissection, but little is known about pregnancy-associated outcomes. Methods: ICD codes and a text recognition program (EMERSE) were used to identify women with BAV and pregnancy (2000-2018) at a single center. Charts were manually reviewed to confirm the diagnoses, echocardiographic data, co-morbidities, and outcomes. Inclusion criteria were congenital BAV pathology and pregnancy. Primary endpoints included expansion of aortic aneurysm and aortic dissection during pregnancy and up to 6 weeks post-partum. Results: We identified 622 women with diagnoses of BAV and pregnancy. After detailed review, 72 women (87 pregnancies) met inclusion criteria. Mean gestational age at delivery was 36.9 weeks. Ten (11.5%) patients had hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, 7 (8.0%) had gestational diabetes, and 25 (28.7%) were treated with beta-blockers. Two (2.3%) pregnancies had intra-uterine growth restriction. Vaginal deliveries occurred in 56.5% and cesarean section in 36.3%. No Type A or B aortic dissections occurred. During pregnancy, there were no significant changes in the aortic dimensions. Prior to pregnancy, 6 women had aortic measurements > 40mm (mean pre-pregnancy 40.8 ± 3.2 mm; mean post-pregnancy 42.5 ± 3.9 mm). In this higher-risk group, mean gestational age was 38.7 weeks, 4 (66.7%) had vaginal delivery, 1 (16.7%) had preeclampsia, 4 (66.7%) were treated with beta-blockers, and all breastfed. There were no delivery complications, no aortic dissections, and no maternal or fetal deaths. Conclusions: Women with BAV appear to be at relatively low risk for acute aortic dissection during pregnancy.

scholarly journals Bicuspid aortic valve patients show specific epigenetic tissue signature increasing extracellular matrix destruction

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (6) ◽  
pp. 937-943 ◽  
Author(s):  
Josephina Haunschild ◽  
Isabel N Schellinger ◽  
Sarah J Barnard ◽  
Konstantin von Aspern ◽  
Piroze Davierwala ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Extracellular Matrix ◽  
Aortic Valve ◽  
Bicuspid Aortic Valve ◽  
Epigenetic Regulation ◽  
Tissue Inhibitor Of Metalloproteinase ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Aortic Tissue ◽  
Tissue Inhibitor ◽  
Tissue Samples ◽  
Increased Risk

Abstract OBJECTIVES Patients with a bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) have an increased risk for developing thoracic aortic aneurysm, which is characterized by the destruction of the elastic media of the aortic wall. Several important enzymes have been characterized to play key roles in extracellular matrix homeostasis, namely matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). In this study, we investigated MMP-2 levels and their epigenetic regulation via the miR-29 family. METHODS Aortic tissue samples from 58 patients were collected during cardiac surgery, of which 30 presented with a BAV and 28 with a tricuspid aortic valve. Polymerase chain reaction, western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry were performed to analyse MMP-2. In addition, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay measurements were carried out to investigate both MMP-2 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 levels. To examine the epigenetic regulation of aortic extracellular matrix homeostasis, we furthermore studied the expression levels of miR-29 via qRT-PCR. RESULTS Patients with a BAV were significantly younger at the time of surgery, presented significantly less frequently with arterial hypertension and displayed more often with an additional valvular disease. On a molecular level, we found that MMP-2 is increased on gene and protein level in BAV patients. Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 levels do not differ between the groups. Interestingly, we also found that only miR-29A is significantly downregulated in BAVs. CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight the importance of MMP-2 in the context of extracellular matrix destruction in BAV patients. We present new evidence that miR-29A is a crucial epigenetic regulator of these pathomechanistic processes and might hold promise for future translational research.

scholarly journals Influence of Aortic Dilation on the Regional Aortic Stiffness of Bicuspid Aortic Valve Assessed by 4-Dimensional Flow Cardiac Magnetic Resonance

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 1020-1029 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Guala ◽  
Jose Rodriguez-Palomares ◽  
Lydia Dux-Santoy ◽  
Gisela Teixido-Tura ◽  
Giuliana Maldonado ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cardiac Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Aortic Valve ◽  
Bicuspid Aortic Valve ◽  
Aortic Stiffness ◽  
Aortic Dilation ◽  
Dimensional Flow

ALTERATION OF ELASTIC PROPERTIES IN CONGENITAL/INHERITED AORTIC DISEASES: MRI STUDY IN MARFAN SYNDROME AND BICUSPID AORTIC VALVE

2006 ◽  
Vol 06 (01) ◽  
pp. 47-53
Author(s):  
LUIGI LOVATO ◽  
PAOLO SBARZAGLIA ◽  
SILVIA MAGI ◽  
VINCENZO RUSSO ◽  
ROMANO ZANNOLI ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Aortic Valve ◽  
Marfan Syndrome ◽  
Elastic Properties ◽  
Bicuspid Aortic Valve ◽  
Aortic Distensibility ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Aortic Dilation ◽  
Aortic Diseases ◽  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Mri ◽  
Mri Study

Marfan Syndrome and Bicuspid Aortic Valve (BAV) are characterized by the congenital/inherited alteration of the fibrillin proteins of aortic wall extracellular matrix, with higher incidence of aortic dissection/rupture even without aortic dilation. Therefore, early identification and treatment of aortic involvement could improve prognosis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate aortic elastic properties of BAV and Marfan Syndrome patients to identify an index of early aortic involvement. Methods: A Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) study was performed on 38 BAV patients, 20 Marfan patients and 14 healthy volunteers as a control group. A high-resolution gradient-echo sequence was applied in the axial plane at the level of pulmonary artery bifurcation to evaluate aortic distensibility. Results: Aortic distensibility was significantly different among the three groups (ANOVA, p = 0.0001) and was sensibly reduced in BAV (0.0056 ± 0.0048 versus 0.025 ± 0.006 control group) and Marfan (0.0085 ± 0.006 versus 0.025 ± 0.006 control group). Intraobserver and interobserver reproducibility for diastolic measurements were 1.2% and 0.4% respectively and for systolic measurements, they were 1.1% and 0.3% respectively. Conclusion: In BAV or Marfan Syndrome patients, MRI evaluation of abnormal distensibility may provide a reliable index of early aortic involvement, even before aortic dilation occurs.

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