Quadricuspid Aortic Valve: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Clinical Variability in Presentation and Management of Quadricuspid Aortic Valve: A Case Series

•Rare presentation of three QAV cases with varied clinical manifestations is reported. •Multimodal imaging is crucial for accurate QAV diagnosis and classification. •QAV is often associated with aortic regurgitation requiring intervention. •Surgical repair is preferred over replacement in suitable patients with QAV. •Long-term follow-up is essential for patients with QAV, even if asymptomatic.

Multimodal imaging in the assessment of quadricuspid aortic valve

Quadricuspid aortic valve (QAV) is a rare congenital anomaly of the aortic valve, with an incidence of 0.05-0.1%, often associated with aortic regurgitation. The condition typically presents between the ages of 46 and 50, with a slight male predominance. While diagnosis is generally made via transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), this method can occasionally fail to identify QAV, necessitating the use of transoesophageal echocardiography and cardiac computed tomography for more accurate assessment of valve morphology. We present the case of a 57-year-old male who experienced chest pain for three months. Although TTE revealed severe aortic regurgitation, it did not detect the QAV. The anomaly was ultimately identified through advanced imaging techniques prior to surgery, which confirmed the presence of this rare aortic valve morphology.

Quadricuspid aortic valve in an asymptomatic young adult: a case report

Introduction

Quadricuspid aortic valve (QAV) is a rare congenital heart disease, ranking behind bicuspid and unicuspid aortic valves in terms of the incidence of congenital aortic valve abnormalities. When symptoms are present, they are typically related to aortic regurgitation, manifesting as shortness of breath, nocturnal dyspnea, and palpitations, or aortic stenosis, which presents with exertional dyspnea, angina, or syncope.

Case presentation

We present the case of an asymptomatic male, diagnosed with a QAV during a routine examination. Despite the absence of clinical symptoms, a thorough general physical examination, including cardiac auscultation, revealed signs suggestive of valvular abnormality. The diagnosis was confirmed via transthoracic echocardiography.

Clinical discussion

For QAV, the diagnostic process typically includes transthoracic echocardiography, which allows for initial confirmation of the valve morphology. In addition, computed tomography (CT) coronary angiography provides detailed information on valvular morphology and helps identify any associated coronary stenosis. In cases of QAV, a CT aortogram is also crucial to assess potential aortic root dilation, a known complication of this congenital anomaly.

Conclusion

This case emphasizes the importance of routine physical examination in diagnosing rare congenital heart conditions like QAV, even in asymptomatic individuals. Early diagnosis and appropriate imaging are essential for timely management, particularly in preventing the progression of associated complications such as aortic regurgitation or root dilation.

Fracture properties of porcine versus human thoracic aortas from tricuspid/bicuspid aortic valve patients via symmetry-constraint Compact Tension testing

Aneurysm rupture is a life-threatening event, yet its underlying mechanisms remain largely unclear. This study investigated the fracture properties of the thoracic aneurysmatic aorta (TAA) using the symmetry-constraint Compact Tension (symconCT) test and compared results to native and enzymatic-treated porcine aortas' tests. With age, the aortic stiffness increased, and tissues ruptured at lower fracture energy [Formula: see text]. Patients with bicuspid aortic valves were more sensitive to age, had stronger aortas and required more [Formula: see text] than tricuspid valves individuals (peak load: axial loading 4.42 ± 1.56 N vs 2.51 ± 1.60 N; circumferential loading 5.76 ± 2.43 N vs 4.82 ± 1.49 N. Fracture energy: axial loading 1.92 ± 0.60 kJ m-2 vs 0.74 ± 0.50 kJ m-2; circumferential loading 2.12 ± 2.39 kJ m-2 vs 1.47 ± 0.91 kJ m-2). Collagen content partly explained the variability in [Formula: see text], especially in bicuspid cases. Besides the primary crack, TAAs and enzymatic-treated porcine aortas displayed diffuse and shear-dominated dissection and tearing. As human tissue tests resembled enzymatic-treated porcine aortas, microstructural degeneration, including elastin loss and collagen degeneration, seems to be the main cause of TAA wall weakening. Additionally, a tortuous crack developing during the symconCT test reflected intact fracture toughening mechanisms and might characterize a healthier aorta.

Suspected Transient Ischemic Attack Related to Dysfunctional Quadricuspid Aortic Valve

We describe a 30-year-old Caribbean-Black woman with a clinical presentation suggestive of a transient ischemic attack (TIA) with no conventional cerebrovascular risk factors, albeit with a newly diagnosed quadricuspid aortic valve (QAV) with moderate aortic regurgitation (AR). Although QAV is a recognized congenital cardiac defect, its association with TIA remains elusive. This case highlights the importance of considering potential atypical etiologies, such as QAV, in the evaluation and management of young patients presenting with cerebrovascular events.

Quadricuspid aortic valve in a 16-year-old Quarter horse

A 16-year-old horse, 400 kg, male, Quarter horse gelding was examined for a cardiac murmur that had not been previously heard. Physical examination revealed a regularly irregular pulse and a grade III/VI, decrescendo, diastolic murmur with a point of maximum intensity over the left heart base. Base-apex standard electrocardiographic examination at rest showed sinus rhythm with second-degree atrio-ventricular blocks. Echocardiography identified the presence of four aortic valve cusps, two equal larger and two unequal smaller cusps. Color flow Doppler examination showed a diastolic regurgitant jet emerging from the central region of closed aortic valve. Based on clinical and echocardiographic findings a diagnosis of mild to moderate aortic valve insufficiency secondary to quadricuspid aortic valve was made. This report describes a rare congenital heart defect that can be detected by transthoracic echocardiography in the horse.

Quadricuspid Aortic Valve: A Case Report of an Asymptomatic Middle-Aged Man

A quadricuspid aortic valve (QAV) is a rare congenital anomaly characterized by the presence of four leaflets in the aortic valve. We are reporting a case of a 59-year-old male who presented to the emergency department with non-cardiac chest pain. The discovery of QAV during the evaluation highlights the importance of considering cardiac causes, even in cases where the presenting symptoms may not appear directly related to the heart.

Quadricuspid Pulmonary Valve With Fenestration: Cadaveric Findings

Quadricuspid pulmonary valves (QPV) are rare entities. Such valves can be associated with other cardiac anatomical anomalies. In this report, we present a case of a quadricuspid valve with an additional variant and discuss the morphometrics of this anatomical variation. During the routine dissection of an adult male body, two anatomical variations were found within the pulmonary trunk. This individual had a QPV. In addition, one of the leaflets of this valve contained fenestrations. No additional cardiac anomalies were identified. Clinicians who review imaging of the heart or treat patients with cardiac conditions should be well-informed about QPV.

Quadricuspid Aortic Valve: An Incidental Finding in an Elderly Man

Quadricuspid aortic valve (QAV) is a very rare congenital abnormality. Here, we present a rare case of QAV incidentally noted in a patient at an advanced age during transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). A 73-year-old man with a history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and treated prostate cancer was admitted to the hospital with palpitations. An electrocardiogram (ECG) showed T-wave inversion in V5-V6, with initial troponin levels mildly elevated. Acute coronary syndrome was ruled out by serial ECGs that were unchanged, and troponins downtrended. TTE showed a rare and incidental finding of type A QAV with four equal cusps with mild aortic regurgitation.

Quadricuspid Pulmonary Valve: Case Report and the Comparison with Quadricuspid Aortic Valve

BACKGROUND

Quadricuspid pulmonary valve (QPV) is a rare congenital anomaly. Simple QPV had been mainly diagnosed at the time of autopsy before 2000, and the frequency rates of QPV are approximately 0.02%-0.41%. QPV was initially diagnosed using transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) after 2000 and with contrast computed tomography (CT) or cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) after 2009. Obtaining the cross-sectional view of the pulmonary valve using TTE is difficult. We aimed to review the papers regarding the incidence, embryology, diagnosis, associated congenital heart anomalies, and prognosis in patients with QPV, and furthermore to compare with those in patients with quadricuspid aortic valve (QAV).

CASE PRESENTATION

We diagnosed QPV with mild stenosis in a 12-month-old infant. With a slight angulation of the transducer superiorly from the left high parasternal short-axis view, a short-axis view of QPV was obtained.

RESULTS

In QPV cases diagnosed at autopsy, Hurwitz's type-b with three equal cusps and one smaller cusp is dominant, whereas Hurwitz's type-a with four equal cusps is dominant in clinically diagnosed cases. Congenital heart anomaly and valvular stenosis are more frequent in patients with QPV than in patients with QAV. Coronary artery anomalies and infectious endocarditis are more frequent in patients with QAV than in patients with QPV. The incidence of PR is more common in type-a QPV than in type-b QPV. There is no difference between type-a QAV and type-b QAV with respect to the incidence of aortic regurgitation (AR). It is assumed that QPV is a risk factor for a Ross operation. However, QPVs have been used as autografts in certain patients.

CONCLUSION

Between QPV and QAV, various differences were found in frequency rates, diagnostic methods, valve morphology, valve function, associated congenital heart diseases, and frequencies of infectious endocarditis.

Functionally Bicuspid Quadricuspid Aortic Valve

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QAV is a rare congenital defect.

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AR is the main valvular pathology leading to heart failure, presenting between ages 50 and 60.

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Transesophageal echocardiography plays a pivotal role in the diagnosis of QAV.

Quadricuspid aortic valve and a large patent ductus arteriosus treated with device closure

Quadricuspid aortic valve is a remarkably rare congenital cardiac anomaly that predominantly becomes regurgitant with the passage of time. Aortic valve stenosis and aortic root dilatation are less common in quadricuspid aortic valve as compared to bicuspid aortic valve. The clinical presentation depends upon the functional status of the aortic valve, left ventricular function, and associated cardiac or coronary anomalies. The quadricuspid aortic valve is easily visualised during transthoracic echocardiogram with a characteristic X pattern of aortic valve in diastole. The association of quadricuspid aortic valve with patent ductus arteriosus is exceedingly rare. We are reporting a case of young girl with mildly regurgitant quadricuspid aortic valve, large patent ductus arteriosus, and volume-loaded left heart who underwent a successful device closure of her patent ductus arteriosus. To the best of our knowledge, such a case is being reported from Pakistan for the first time.

The Quandary of the Quadricuspid Aortic Valve-The "Unlucky" 4-Leaf Clover: Case Report and Brief Clinical Review

The quadricuspid aortic valve is an exceedingly rare congenital valvular anomaly, characterized by a tetrad of leaflets that typically presents with aortic regurgitation. Almost one third of cases are associated with coexisting cardiac defects with one fifth warranting surgical intervention. In this article, we describe the first documented-in-Caribbean case and present a brief clinical review of its pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management.

Quadricuspid aortic valve: a case report and review of literature

Quadricuspid aortic valve, a rare congenital cardiac defect, manifests most commonly as aortic regurgitation. Clinical presentation mainly depends on the functional status of the aortic valve, myocardium and associated cardiovascular abnormalities. Aortic valve replacement or repair is usually warranted in the 5th or 6th decade.

Quadricuspid aortic valve: a case report and review of the literature

Quadricuspid aortic valve (QAV) is a rare congenital anomaly that can present as aortic insufficiency later in life. We report a case of aortic regurgitation associated with a QAV, treated by aortic valve replacement. The patient presented with breathlessness, lethargy and peripheral oedema. Echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance revealed abnormal aortic valve morphology and coronary angiography was normal. The presence of a quadricuspid aortic valve was confirmed intra-operatively. This was excised and replaced with a bioprosthetic valve and the patient recovered well postoperatively. Importantly, the literature indicates that specific QAV morphology and associated structural abnormalities can lead to complications. Hence, early detection and diagnosis of QAV allows effective treatment. Aortic valve surgery is the definitive treatment strategy in patients with aortic valve regurgitation secondary to QAV. However, the long-term effects and complications of treatment of this condition remain largely unknown.

Quadricuspid Aortic Valve: A Rare Cause of Aortic Regurgitation

• Quadricuspid aortic valve is a rare finding in patients with aortic valvulopathy. • Patients over age 40 with this finding are more likely to have valve dysfunction. • Transesophageal echocardiogram is preferred to evaluate quadricuspid aortic valves.

Quadricuspid Aortic Valve: Report of Two Cases and Brief Review

Quadricuspid aortic valve (QAV) is a rare congenital cardiac defect characterized by the presence of four aortic valve leaflets of equal or varying sizes. Even rarer is its clinical presentation with aortic stenosis. Diagnosis of QAV could be challenging but is of great importance as patients often present with progressive aortic regurgitation. We present 2 cases of QAV presenting differently: one with aortic stenosis requiring valve replacement and the other with aortic regurgitation requiring close monitoring.

Quadricuspid aortic valve associated with aortic insufficiency contributors

A 51-year-old male presented with a wound in his right hand that was suspicious for possible septic emboli of cardiac origin. With transesophageal echocardiography, the patient was found to have a rare quadricuspid aortic valve. This quadricuspid valve can present with variable symptoms and physical exam findings. Due to embryological defects, this pathology is associated with several other anatomical defects that are important to recognize prior to surgical intervention. Transesophaegeal echocardiography remains the gold standard in detection of quadricuspid aortic valve and identification of other possible cardiac lesions.

From Bicuspid to Quadricuspid Aortic Valve: The Clinical Case of a 38-year-old Woman with Chest Pain

We report a case of a 38-year-old woman with an alleged diagnosis of bicuspid aortic valve disease that was correctly identified as quadricuspid aortic valve (QAV) disease in our cardiology unit. In this case report, we focus on echocardiographic features of this rare congenital valve disease aiming to provide useful tips to achieve correct differential diagnosis according to the updated echocardiographic international guidelines and recommendations, briefly reviewing other QAV cases reported in the current literature as well. In conclusion, we strongly recommend adhering to practical echocardiographic guidelines to reduce interobserver variability, not to miss the diagnosis of rare congenital defects like the one we reported.

Quadricuspid aortic valve infective endocarditis

Infective endocarditis complicating a quadricuspid aortic valve (QAV) is rare. Previous reports highlight the increased risk for complications, including progressive aortic regurgitation, decompensated heart failure, and valve perforation. Thus, cardiologists must be able to quickly identify QAVs to guide rapid evaluation and treatment. We report a case of infective endocarditis in a QAV identified on echocardiography and effectively managed with medical therapy alone without complications over an 8-year follow-up period. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 46:145-148, 2018.

Quadricuspid Aortic Valve: A Comprehensive Review

Quadricuspid aortic valve (QAV) is a rare congenital heart disease. The functional status of QAV is predominantly a pure aortic regurgitation. Clinical manifestations of patients with a QAV depend on the functional status of the QAV and the associated disorders. Significant valvular regurgitation and (or) stenosis is often present with subsequent operation performed at the fifth to sixth decade of life. The functional status of QAV is predominantly regurgitant; whereas pure stenotic QAV can be as few as in only 0.7% of the patients. QAV is usually an isolated anomaly, but other congenital heart defects can be present in 18-32% of the patients. About one-fifth of them require a surgical operation. Tricuspidalization is a preferred technique for QAV repair. As not all the patients with a QAV necessarily warrant a surgical operation, decision-making in patient selection and surgical procedure of choice are crucial. Antibiotic prophylaxis against infective endocarditis is necessary in the QAV patients with unequal-sized cusps.