Which statement is true regarding bicuspid aortic stenosis?

Which statement is true regarding bicuspid aortic stenosis?

• A. It is not associated with coarctation
• B. It is associated with coarctation of the aorta
• C. It always causes mitral stenosis
• D. It is unrelated to coarctation

Answer: (B)

Bicuspid aortic stenosis is commonly seen together with coarctation of the aorta because these congenital problems often arise from related developmental disturbances of the aortic valve and the aortic arch. When a bicuspid valve is found, clinicians should look for coarctation, since the two conditions frequently coexist (for example, by checking blood pressures in both arms and legs and evaluating the thoracic aorta on imaging). Mitral stenosis is not a typical consequence of a bicuspid valve, and saying it’s unrelated to coarctation ignores a well-recognized association.

Bicuspid aortic stenosis is commonly seen together with coarctation of the aorta because these congenital problems often arise from related developmental disturbances of the aortic valve and the aortic arch. When a bicuspid valve is found, clinicians should look for coarctation, since the two conditions frequently coexist (for example, by checking blood pressures in both arms and legs and evaluating the thoracic aorta on imaging). Mitral stenosis is not a typical consequence of a bicuspid valve, and saying it’s unrelated to coarctation ignores a well-recognized association.