Factors Related to the Need for Surgery after the Diagnosis of Bicuspid Aortic Valve: One Center´s Experience under a Conservative Approach

licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/). Reproduction is permitted for personal, noncommercial use, provided that the article is in whole, unmodified, and properly cited. Received: 2012.10.17; Accepted: 2013.01.02; Published: 2013.01.09 Background and Aim: Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) increases the risk of aortic valve dys-function and ascending aorta aneurysm and, consequently, the need for aortic valve re-placement and/or aortic repair. However, there is no universal consensus about the surgical criteria and the predictors for surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate related factors to the need for surgery in the setting of a strict long-term follow-up with relatively con-servative surgical criteria. Methods: We prospectively followed 120 patients after the diagnosis of BAV. Predisposing factors for a future need for aortic valve replacement and ascending aorta repair were as-sessed. Aortic surgery was indicated when the ascending aorta diameter was ≥55 mm and was recommended based on patient characteristics and in the presence of a severe aortic valve dysfunction with an aortic diameter ≥50 mm. Results: During follow-up (mean, 86 months), 34 patients (28%) (mean age, 56±12 years