Recurrent posterior circulatory emboli from a mildly stenosed bicuspid aortic valve

John Purvis; Patricia Gordon; Peter Flynn; Mark McCarron

doi:10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2010.02.024

Recurrent posterior circulatory emboli from a mildly stenosed bicuspid aortic valve

J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis. 2011 Nov;20(6):562-4. doi: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2010.02.024. Epub 2010 Sep 15.

Authors

John Purvis¹, Patricia Gordon, Peter Flynn, Mark McCarron

Affiliation

¹ Department of Cardiology, Altnagelvin Hospital, Glenshane Road, Londonderry, UK.

PMID: 20833085
DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2010.02.024

Abstract

Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is a common condition but is only rarely associated with embolic complications. We describe a 42-year-old man with recurrent posterior circulatory ischemic strokes that resulted in ataxia and cognitive impairment. Transesophageal echocardiography demonstrated a BAV with mild stenosis, moderate calcification, and a dilated ascending aorta. The degree of calcification and the valve phenotype might be important factors implicating the BAV as a rare cause of ischemic stroke.

Publication types

Case Reports

MeSH terms

Adult
Aortic Valve / abnormalities*
Aortic Valve / diagnostic imaging
Aortic Valve Stenosis / diagnostic imaging
Aortic Valve Stenosis / etiology*
Ataxia / etiology
Brain Ischemia / etiology*
Brain Ischemia / pathology
Calcinosis / diagnostic imaging
Calcinosis / etiology*
Cognition Disorders / etiology
Echocardiography, Transesophageal
Heart Defects, Congenital / complications*
Heart Defects, Congenital / diagnostic imaging
Humans
Intracranial Embolism / etiology*
Intracranial Embolism / pathology
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Male
Recurrence
Severity of Illness Index
Stroke / etiology*
Stroke / pathology