Aortic regurgitation due to quadricuspid aortic valve--case report and literature review

Abstract

Quadricuspid aortic valve is a rare variant of aortic semilunar valve, often being an unexpected discovery during cardiac surgery. We present the case of a 59 years old patient, who was admitted for dyspnea on light exertion and palpitations. The transthoracic echocardiography revealed severe aortic valve regurgitation due to a quadricuspid aortic valve, the result being confirmed by the transesophageal echo examination. The patient had a first class indication for aortic valve replacement and the surgical intervention was uneventful. The operative technique and case particularities are discussed in view of the literature published so far regarding this uncommon condition.