Bicuspid aortic valve is a defect of the valve between the left pumping chamber of the heart (the left ventricle) and the main artery that delivers blood to the body (the aorta). The valve has only two leaflets instead of the usual three.
A bicuspid aortic valve occurs when one leaflet fails to develop when the heart is forming before birth. Bicuspid aortic valve may also be caused by the joining together of two leaflets, which results from a disease such as rheumatic fever.
How is bicuspid aortic valve diagnosed?
Bicuspid aortic valve may be diagnosed by a heart murmur. Other tests used to diagnose it include an electrocardiogram and an echocardiogram.
Generally, this condition does not have any noticeable effect on the heart during the early years. However, bicuspid aortic valve may cause the valve leaflets to thicken. This thickening can interfere with the normal movement of the valve and cause a narrowing at the opening of the valve. This usually occurs later in life but can develop at any time during childhood.
This defect occurs in about two out of 1,000 babies.
How is bicuspid aortic valve treated?
Most children do not require any treatment. Usually, physical activity is not restricted.