Abstract 2131: The Association of Coarctation of Aorta Diminishes the Occurrence of Ascending Aorta Dilation in Children and Young Adults with Bicommissural Aortic Valves.

Objectives: To explore the difference in ascending aortic dilatation between subgroups of bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) patients with and without coarctation of the aorta (CoA). Methods: Our echocardiographic database (1993–2006) was searched for BAV patients with CoA (Group A) and without CoA (Group B). Measurements at the aortic annulus, root, sinotubular junction, and ascending aorta were obtained for each patient, and body surface area-adjusted Z-score values were compared. Exclusion criteria included more than mild aortic stenosis or regurgitation, previous balloon aortic valvuloplasty, or complex left heart disease; plus Turner, Noonan, Williams, and Marfan Syndromes. Results: The median age in Group A (n=53) was 11.3 yrs (range 0 to 30) with median follow-up of 7 yrs (0 to 12.7); median age in Group B (n=145) was 8.7 yrs (0 to 29) with median follow-up of 4 yrs (0 to 13.1). Group B patients had significantly greater aortic annulus, sinotubular junction, and ascending aortic dimensions (ascending aorta Z-scores shown in Figure , p<0.0001). Group A ascending aortic dimensions did not differ significantly from the normal population. The rate of growth of the ascending aorta in Group B was higher in the first 10 years of life. Conclusion: The ascending aorta in patients with bicuspid aortic valve and coarctation does not dilate to the same degree as patients with isolated bicuspid aortic valve. This may reflect an inherent difference in aortic wall properties between the two groups. Comparison of Ascending Aorta Z Scores