Influence of surgery on aortic valve prolapse and aortic regurgitation in doubly committed subarterial ventricular septal defect

Outflow Ventricular Septal Defect with Aortic Regurgitation: Optimal timing of Surgery?

BACKGROUND

Ideal time of surgery still remains controversial in outflow ventricular septal defect (VSD) with aortic regurgitation (AR). We aimed to identify the prevalence and predictors of postoperative AR progression.

METHODS

154 patients with outflow-VSD and AR who underwent VSD surgery between 2006 and 2012 were studied retrospectively.

RESULTS

Total 80 patients with subpulmonic-VSD and 74 with subaortic-VSD were followed-up for mean 6.32+/-2.27 years (range 3-12 years). Of them, 100 had trivial to mild (group-A) and 54 had moderate to severe preoperative-AR (group-B). At follow-up, There was no significant worsening of mean residual AR in group-A (p=0.16) and subpulmonic-VSD of group-B (p=0.083). However, it worsened significantly in subaortic-VSD (1.85+/-0.87 vs 2.21+/-1.08, p=0.005) of group-B. Only 2 (both had subaortic-VSD) patients of group-A developed moderate AR and none required aortic valve replacement (AVR), while 23 (42.60%) of group-B patients developed moderate or severe AR and 7 (30.4%) of them required AVR. Moreover, all who needed AVR had subaortic-VSD and had undergone valvuloplasty during VSD-closure. The 10 years freedom from moderate or severe-AR was significantly lower in group-B than group-A in both VSDs (subaortic-VSD 42.5+/-10.7% vs 89.3+/-8.1%, p<0.01; subpulmonic-VSD 66.7+/-10.3% vs 100%, p<0.01). On multiple regression analysis, postoperative residual-AR was the only predictor of AR-progression (standardized coefficients =0.48; p<0.001) at follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Mild preoperative-AR rarely progressed after VSD-repair. However, worsening of AR could not be prevented effectively, even with valvuloplasty, after the development of moderate or severe AR. Mild or more postoperative residual-AR need close follow-up, especially in subaortic-VSD.

Three Decades of Follow-up After Surgical Closure of Subarterial Ventricular Septal Defect

We determined the occurrence of aortic regurgitation (AR), AR progression and risk factors in patients followed up for up to three decades after closure of subarterial VSD. We reviewed the outcomes of 86 patients categorized into three groups: group I comprised 37 patients without AR and had VSD closure alone, group II comprised 40 patients with AR and had VSD closure without aortic valvoplasty, and group III comprised 9 patients with AR and required both VSD closure and aortic valvoplasty. Patients were followed up for 18.9 ± 7.3 years (median 19.5 years, range 3.5-36.6). At latest follow up, 54.7% (47/86) of patients had AR. The prevalence of progression of AR from any one grade to the next one higher was 37.2% (32/86). Freedom from AR progression was 75.6%, 52.1%, and 22.2% at 20 years of follow-up for groups I, II and III, respectively (p < 0.05). On the other hand, progression to moderate to severe AR occurred only in 4.7% (4/86). Group I and II patients were free from progression to significant AR, while only 33.3% of group III patients were free from progression on follow-up (p < 0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that severity of preoperative AR was the significant risk factor for persistence and progression of postoperative AR after VSD closure. In conclusion, aortic regurgitation is common and may progress even after surgical repair of subarterial VSD. Severity of preoperative AR is the most significant predictor of persistence and progression of AR after surgical closure of subarterial VSD.

Progression of Aortic Regurgitation After Subarterial Ventricular Septal Defect Repair: Optimal Timing of the Operation

In patients with subarterial ventricular septal defect (VSD), the progression of aortic regurgitation (AR) still remains unclear. This review is to identify the incidence of AR progression after VSD repair and to determine the optimal operation timing for subarterial VSD repair with or without aortic valve prolapse or AR. From January 2002 to December 2015, 103 patients who underwent subarterial VSD repair alone at our hospital were reviewed. All patients routinely underwent echocardiography (echo) performed by our pediatric cardiologists. The operative approach was through the pulmonary artery in all patients. The median age of patients at operation was 10 months (range 3 to 16.5 months). Eighty-nine patients (86.4%) underwent subarterial VSD closure before the age of 4 years. In the preoperative evaluation, 27.2% (28 patients) of the patients showed more than faint degree AR. The mean follow-up duration after VSD repair was 6.6 ± 4.0 years. In the latest follow-up echo after VSD repair, four patients had more than mild degree AR owing to aortic valve abnormalities or delayed operation period. Among them, AR progression occurred in only one patient (0.98%). Early and accurate assessment of the anatomical morphology of the aortic valve and optimal operation timing may be important to achieve better outcomes after repair and to prevent the development of aortic valve complications.

Doubly committed ventricular septal defect closure using eccentric occluder via ultraminimal incision

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate the safety, feasibility and availability of doubly committed ventricular septal defect (DCVSD) closure via an ultraminimal intercostal incision under the guidance of transoesophageal echocardiography in children.

METHODS

From August 2014 to August 2016, 35 children with DCVSDs (≤5 mm in diameter) were enrolled in this study. A left parasternal ultraminimal intercostal incision (≤1 cm) and a pericardium hanging technique were employed without sternal incision. DCVSDs were closed through a short delivery sheath assembled with an eccentric occluder device. Transoesophageal echocardiography was used to guide and monitor the entire procedure. All patients were followed up.

RESULTS

All 35 children had complete closures with an operation success rate of 100%. The average size of DCVSDs was 3.50 ± 0.79 (range 2.2-5.0) mm, and the average device size was 5 ± 2 (range 4-9) mm. The average operation duration was 45.42 ± 11.77 (range 25-70) min, and the average hospital stay was 8 ± 2 (range 7-16) days. The median follow-up period was 17 months (range 6 months-2.5 years). Pre-existing aortic regurgitation disappeared after surgery in 1 patient and remained the same in 4 patients. No other complications were found during the operation or during follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Under transoesophageal echocardiography guidance, DCVSD closure using an eccentric occluder via an ultraminimal intercostal incision is feasible, safe and effective in children. The use of this approach is recommended.

Predictors for the Outcome of Aortic Regurgitation After Cardiac Surgery in Patients with Ventricular Septal Defect and Aortic Cusp Prolapse in Saudi Patients

Background and Aim:

Aortic valve (AV) prolapse and subsequent aortic regurgitation (AR) are two complications of ventricular septal defects (VSD) that are located close to or in direct contact with the AV. This finding is one of the indications for surgical VSD closure even in the absence of symptoms to protect the AV integrity. The goal of our study was to assess the outcome and to identify the predictors for improvement or progression of AR after surgical repair.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective study of all children with VSD and AV prolapse who underwent cardiac surgery at King Abdulaziz Cardiac Centre in Riyadh between July 1999 and August 2013.

Results:

A total of 41 consecutive patients, operated for VSD with prolapsed AV, with or without AR, were reviewed. The incidence of AV prolapse in the study population was 6.8% out of 655 patients with VSD. Thirty-six (88%) patients had a perimembranous VSD, and four had doubly committed VSD. Only one patient had an outlet muscular VSD. Right coronary cusp prolapse was found in 38 (92.7%) patients. Preoperative AR was absent in five patients, mild or less in 25 patients, moderate in seven, and severe in four patients. Twenty-six patients showed improvement in the degree of AR after surgery (Group A), 14 patients showed no change in the degree of AR (Group B) while only one patient showed the progression of his AR after surgery. Those with absent AR before surgery remained with no AR after surgery. Improvement was found more in those with mild degree of AR preoperatively compared to those with moderate and severe AR. Female gender also showed a tendency to improve more as compared to male.

Conclusion:

Early surgical closure is advisable for patients with VSD and associated AV prolapse to achieve a better outcome after repair and to prevent progression of AR in future.

Doubly committed ventricular septal defect: single-centre experience and midterm follow-up

BACKGROUND

Doubly committed ventricular septal defect (dcVSD) is the least common type of VSD. Because published studies are rather scarce, this study aimed at evaluating the midterm outcome of dcVSDs.

METHODS

The records of all patients registered in the database of Paediatric and Congenital Cardiology, University Hospitals Leuven, with a dcVSD at 16 years of age were reviewed. Clinical, electrocardiographic and transthoracic echocardiographic changes from baseline, defined as of the age of 16 years, until the latest follow-up were compared.

RESULTS

Thirty-three patients (20 males, median age 26 years, interquartile range 12) were followed for a median time of 7.9 years (interquartile range 9.8, time range 2-25.9). No deaths occurred. In 15 patients (45%), the defect remained patent at baseline. During follow-up, two spontaneous closures (13%) occurred. Eighteen patients (55%) required closure before the age of 16 years. Five (28%) needed reoperation. In the dcVSD closure group, left ventricular ejection fraction decreased from 69 ± 12 to 61 ± 6% (p = 0.028). No significant changes in pulmonary arterial hypertension were noticed.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with persistently patent dcVSD remained nearly event free during follow-up. Event-free survival after dcVSD closure was markedly lower. These patients developed reduced left ventricular function and had a high risk of reintervention.

Paediatric Cardiology in Singapore – 1978 to 2008

This article marks Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week, 7 to 14 February 2009 (http://tchin.org/aware/ index.htm). The title, “Paediatric Cardiology in Singapore – 1978 to 2008” reflects the most exciting phase in the development of paediatric cardiology in Singapore. Congenital heart defect (CHD), with an incidence of 1 in 100 live births, is the most important and frequent congenital malformation, causing much morbidity and mortality in infants, children, and even in adults.1,2 This article highlights some advances in the science, and the changing patterns in the practice, of paediatric cardiology in Singapore.

Cardiac defects and results of cardiac surgery in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome

Specific types and subtypes of cardiac defects have been described in children with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome as well as in other genetic syndromes. The conotruncal heart defects occurring in patients with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome include tetralogy of Fallot, pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect, truncus arteriosus, interrupted aortic arch, isolated anomalies of the aortic arch, and ventricular septal defect. These conotruncal heart defects are frequently associated in this syndrome with additional cardiovascular anomalies of the aortic arch, pulmonary arteries, infundibular septum, and semilunar valves complicating cardiac anatomy and surgical treatment. In this review we describe the surgical anatomy, the operative treatment, and the prognostic results of the cardiac defects associated with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. According to the current literature, in patients with tetralogy of Fallot with/without pulmonary atresia and truncus arteriosus, in spite of the complex cardiac anatomy, the presence of 22q11.2 deletion syndrome does not worsen the surgical prognosis. On the contrary in children with pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect and probably in those with interrupted aortic arch the association with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome is probably a risk factor for the operative treatment. The complex cardiovascular anatomy in association with depressed immunological status, pulmonary vascular reactivity, neonatal hypocalcemia, bronchomalacia and broncospasm, laryngeal web, and tendency to airway bleeding must be considered at the time of diagnosis and surgical procedure. Specific diagnostic, surgical, and perioperative protocols should be applied in order to provide appropriate treatment and to reduce surgical mortality and morbidity.

Aortic valvar involvement in patients undergoing closure of ventricular septal defect via the pulmonary trunk

BACKGROUND

To determine how often the aortic valve is involved in doubly-committed ventricular septal defect in a surgical series, and when to intervene to minimize aortic valvar impediments.

METHODS

The defect was surgically closed in 415 patients via the pulmonary trunk, age at operation ranging from 2 months to 76 years old. In infants, pulmonary hypertension or pulmonary high flow was the exclusive indication. Any progressive deformity of the aortic leaflet or aortic regurgitation was an alternative principal indication in older children or adolescents. No additional manoeuvres were employed for the aortic root unless aortic regurgitation is more than slight. Otherwise, the aortic valve was repaired or replaced. When the sinus of Valsalva was significantly deformed or ruptured, the structure was surgically restored.

RESULTS

Significant aortic regurgitation or the ruptured sinus of Valsalva was increasingly found beyond the paediatric age. Bacterial endocarditis was seen in 8% of adults or adolescents. Silent herniation of the aortic leaflet was not uncommon after 4 years old, seen in more than 40% of patients. Need of aortic valvar repair was rare before 2 years old, and in approximately 10% between 2 and 15 years old. Freedom from reoperation was 89% at 10 years and 78% at 25 years after aortic valvar repair, and 91% and 84%, respectively, after replacement, versus 100% and 99.4%, respectively, after no additional valvar procedure.

CONCLUSION

Aortic valvar involvement was rare, and ventricular septal defect was closed without impediments, before 2 years old. Surgery should be arranged before any additional aortic valvar manoeuvre is needed.

Progression of aortic regurgitation after surgical repair of outlet-type ventricular septal defects

BACKGROUND

Progression of aortic regurgitation (AR) in repaired outlet ventricular septal defects (VSDs) remains unclear, especially for muscular outlet and perimembranous outlet VSDs. We tried to identify the risk factors for AR progression and aortic valve replacement (AVR) at long-term follow-up.

METHODS

Four hundred patients with complete follow-up after the repair of their outlet VSD between 1987 and 2002 were studied.

RESULTS

Juxta-arterial VSD, perimembranous outlet VSD, and muscular outlet VSD were noted in 190, 148, and 62 patients, respectively. There were 377 patients with none to mild AR (group I) and 23 with moderate to severe AR (group II) preoperatively. Aortic valve replacement was performed on 11 patients (all from group II), with 10 having received AVR concomitantly with VSD repair and 1 having received it 4 years later. Only severity of preoperative AR and older age (>15 years) at VSD repair were significant predictors of AVR. With a total follow-up of 2230 person-years, the 10-year freedom from AVR after VSD repair for group I was 100% and that for group II was 50.2%. In group I, AR progressed in 4 patients only (1.2%, 2 juxta-arterial and 2 perimembranous outlet) and aortic valvular (aortic valve prolapse or ruptured sinus Valsalva aneurysm) or subvalvular anomalies were present in all. The event-free (AR or AVR) survival rates among the 3 outlet-type VSDs however showed no difference.

CONCLUSIONS

Aortic regurgitation progression modes after surgical VSD repair were similar among the 3 outlet-type VSDs. Aortic valve replacement was rarely necessary for patients who were operated on when they were younger than 15 years. Aortic regurgitation of a less-than-moderate degree preoperatively rarely progressed after VSD repair.

Ventricular septal defect closure in right coronary cusp prolapse and aortic regurgitation complicating VSD in the outlet septum: which treatment is most appropriate?

BACKGROUND

There is currently not a standardized technique for the sizing and shaping of surgical closure of the ventricular septal defect (VSD) patch in patients with right coronary aortic cusp prolapse and aortic regurgitation (AR) complicating VSD in the outlet septum.

METHODS

Forty-six VSD patients who had aortic valve prolapse were divided into groups DC (direct closure, n=19), and SPC (small patch closure, n=27). Preoperative and postoperative echocardiography with Doppler color flow interrogation was performed on all patients.

RESULTS

In the DC group, among seven patients who had aortic valve prolapse but no AR preoperative, one patient developed AR during postoperative follow-up period. In the remaining 12 patients who had mild AR associated with aortic valve prolapse prior to the procedure, AR was diminished in four and unchanged in six patients. However, AR was aggravated in two patients who required further operations for AV repair or replacement. In the SPC group, among the eight patients who had no preoperative AR, AR progressed in one patient postoperatively. In the remaining 19 patients who had mild AR, AR was diminished in 15 and unchanged in four. The outcome from the operative procedure was significantly better in the SPC group than DC group with mild preoperative AR (chi(2)=7.82; P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Small patch closure for this type of VSD is safer and more reliable in improving mild AR than that of direct closure, especially in patients with mild AR.

Ventricular septal defect and aortic valve regurgitation: pathophysiology and indications for surgery

As the velocity of a fluid increases a low-pressure zone is created, this is the Venturi effect and it explains the pathogenesis of aortic valve prolapse (AVP) and aortic insufficiency (AI) that is observed in a subset of patients with a ventricular septal defect (VSD). The VSDs complicated by AI are restrictive with high velocity shunting through the VSD, creating a low-pressure zone that impacts the adjacent aortic valve cusp resulting in AVP and subsequent AI. AVP and AI are therefore acquired lesions. AI is absent at birth because the forces necessary to create the low-pressure zone within the restrictive VSD do not exist in utero. The risk of development of AI increases during childhood, peaking at 5 to 10 years of age. VSD closure eliminates the low-pressure zone that is the cause of ongoing aortic valve cusp deformity and, if performed early, prevents development of AI. Patients with a subarterial VSD and AVP should undergo surgery to prevent the development of AI because this complicates about half of subarterial VSDs with AVP and spontaneous closure is rare. Patients with perimembranous VSDs with AVP should be followed with serial echocardiography and undergo VSD closure if more than trivial AI develops.

Impact of noncoronary cusp prolapse in addition to right coronary cusp prolapse in patients with a perimembranous ventricular septal defect

BACKGROUND

Few data are available with regard to the impact of aortic cusp herniation on the evolution of aortic regurgitation (AR) in patients with a perimembranous ventricular septal defect (VSD).

METHODS

One hundred and two patients with a perimembranous ventricular septal defect with right coronary cusp prolapse were divided to two groups depending on the development of aortic regurgitation. The original defect diameter, the right coronary cusp deformity index (RCCD), and the right coronary cusp imbalance index were obtained as we reported previously.

RESULTS

Mild aortic regurgitation was detected in 35 patients, and moderate in three. No aortic regurgitation was observed in 64 patients. A significantly larger number of patients had noncoronary cusp prolapse and the right coronary cusp imbalance index >/=1.30 in the aortic regurgitation group than in the no regurgitation group. Relative risk and odds ratio of noncoronary cusp prolapse and the right coronary cusp imbalance index >/=1.30 for development of aortic regurgitation were 3.69 (95% CI, 0.91-15.03) and 27.90 (95.94-130.85), and 2.23 (0.83-5.98) and 4.70 (1.44-15.27), respectively. Surgical closure was performed in 29 patients. All patients with no noncoronary cusp prolapse underwent simple patch closure of the ventricular septal defect, while five patients with noncoronary cusp prolapse and aortic regurgitation underwent aortic valvuloplasty. Among these, one patient needed aortic valve replacement.

CONCLUSIONS

The additional complication of noncoronary cusp prolapse is a strong risk factor for the development of aortic regurgitation in patients with a perimembranous ventricular septal defect with right coronary cusp prolapse.

Severity Indices of Right Coronary Cusp Prolapse and Aortic Regurgitation Complicating Ventricular Septal Defect in the Outlet Septum-Which Defect Should Be Closed?-

BACKGROUND

The factors that may determine the evolution of right coronary cusp prolapse (RCCP) and regurgitation (AR) associated with a ventricular septal defect in the outlet septum (outlet VSD) have not been clarified.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The Doppler echocardiograms of 316 patients were grouped according to both the development of RCCP, and the values of the right coronary cusp deformity index (RCCD) and the right coronary cusp imbalance index (R/L). All detected AR was </= slight, and not progressive in patients with both RCCD <0.30 and R/L <1.30. Moderate AR was detected in patients with either RCCD >/=0.30 or R/L >/=0.30. Rupture of the sinus of Valsalva was identified in patients with RCCD >/=0.30. A significantly large number of patients with both RCCD >/=0.30 and R/L >/=1.30 (p<0.01), and a few patients with either RCCD >/=0.30 or R/L >/=0.30 underwent aortic valvuloplasty or replacement. Operative outcome for AR </= slight was good.

CONCLUSIONS

There is no need to close an outlet VSD with RCCP when the RCCD <0.30 and R/L <1.30 as long as the AR remains trivial, but such defects should be closed when the RCCD is >/=0.30 or R/L >/=1.30.

Eccentric aortic regurgitation in patients with right coronary cusp prolapse complicating a ventricular septal defect

To analyze the clinical significance of eccentric aortic regurgitation (AR) complicating the right coronary cusp prolapse associated with a ventricular septal defect (VSD), the Doppler echocardiograms of 129 patients were reviewed. In 102 patients, AR was classified as mild and in 27 patients it was classified as moderate. Eccentric AR was defined as the jet distributing in an eccentric direction. In 15 patients of the moderate group, AR was already moderate at the initial examination and of these, the AR was eccentric in 14 and central in 1. In 12 patients who initially had mild AR, it became moderate during follow-up. In 7 patients with mild, central AR, 6 worsened to central moderate AR and 1 evolved to eccentric moderate AR. Eccentric mild AR patients all developed eccentric moderate AR. Within the mild AR group, 5 of 9 patients with eccentric AR progressed from mild to moderate, whereas only 7 of 105 patients with central AR did so (p<0.01). In conclusion, eccentric AR may be an advanced finding of the AR associated with right coronary cusp prolapse in some patients, but in others eccentric AR is highly likely to progress and is malignant.

Impact of preoperative aortic cusp prolapse on long-term outcome after surgical closure of subarterial ventricular septal defect

BACKGROUND

Previous reports on the long-term outcome of surgical closure of subarterial ventricular septal defect were based on a relatively small number of patients.

METHODS

We reviewed the long-term outcome of 135 patients who underwent closure of their defect and, in light of the findings, assessed the impact of preoperative aortic cusp prolapse and surgical interventions on occurrence of aortic regurgitation (AR) in the long-term. The patients were categorized into three groups for comparison: group I consisted of 79 patients with no aortic cusp prolapse and underwent simple closure of ventricular septal defect, group II comprised 39 patients with mild to moderate cusp prolapse who similarly had only closure of the defect performed, whereas group III comprised 17 patients who had additional aortic valvoplasty for greater than moderate to severe cusp prolapse.

RESULTS

Group I patients had significantly higher pulmonary arterial pressure (p < 0.001) and ratio of pulmonary blood flow to systemic blood flow (p < 0.001). None of these patients had AR before their operation, and none experienced AR afterward at a median follow-up of 6.1 years. Of the 39 group II patients, 30 (77%) had trivial or mild AR preoperatively. The AR improved in 15 patients, remained trivial or mild in 14 and absent in 7, but progressed to trivial or mild in 3 at a median follow-up of 3.1 years. None required further interventions. In contrast, 14 (82%) of the 17 group III patients had moderate to severe AR before operation. The regurgitation improved in 10, but remained moderate or severe in 4 and worsened further in 3 at a median follow-up of 4.6 years. The freedom from failure of aortic valvoplasty was (mean +/- standard error of the mean) 71%+/-11%, 64%+/-12%, and 43%+/-19% at 1, 5, and 10 years, respectively. An older age at latest follow-up was the only identifiable significant risk factor (p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data do not support the need of aortic valvoplasty for mild to moderate aortic cusp prolapse. Close follow-up is warranted in those with greater than moderate to severe cusp prolapse despite valvoplasty as there is continued failure on follow-up. Nothing, however, is better than early closure of defects before development of aortic valve complications.

Analysis of indications for surgical closure of subarterial ventricular septal defect without associated aortic cusp prolapse and aortic regurgitation

Subarterial ventricular septal defect (VSD) is relatively common in Orientals. We reviewed the outcome of 214 patients (137 males) who were followed for 8.6 +/- 5.2 years (range 0.1 to 24.3) and addressed the issue regarding the necessity and optimum timing of closing subarterial defects before development of aortic valve deformities. Demographic data, transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiographic findings, cardiac catheterization results, and operative findings were reviewed. Kaplan-Meier actuarial analysis was performed to assess the development of aortic valve complications over time. Seventy-five patients with heart failure and pulmonary hypertension underwent surgical closure of VSD at the age of 2.4 +/- 2.9 years. No patient had aortic cusp prolapse before operation and none developed aortic cusp prolapse or aortic regurgitation (AR) on follow-up. In contrast, of the 139 asymptomatic patients managed conservatively, 102 (73%) developed aortic cusp prolapse, 78% of whom (80 of 102) developed AR. The prevalence of aortic cusp prolapse and AR at 1, 5, 10, and 15 years old was 8%, 30%, 64%, and 83%, and 3%, 24%, 45%, and 64%, respectively. Significant prolapse or AR prompted surgical closure of VSD with (n = 22) or without (n = 26) valvoplasty in 48 of 102 patients (47%). The size of the VSD was significantly larger in patients with heart failure (9.6 +/- 3.3 mm) or aortic cusp prolapse (11.7 +/- 4.1 mm) compared with those without heart failure (4.5 +/- 1.4 mm, p <0.001). All patients with aortic cusp prolapse and all but 1 with heart failure had a defect size of > or =5 mm. In conclusion, subarterial VSD of > or =5 mm should be closed as early as possible to prevent development of aortic cusp prolapse and AR. Asymptomatic patients with small defects <5 mm could be managed conservatively.