Journal of cardiovascular medicine
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J Cardiovasc Med (Hagerstown) · Jan 2006
ReviewAortic dilatation in patients with bicuspid aortic valve.
The association of a bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) with abnormalities of the proximal thoracic aorta, including dilatation, aneurysm and dissection, has been previously described, leading to the hypothesis of a common underlying developmental defect involving the aortic valve and the aortic wall. Consequently, any patient with BAV should receive a careful assessment not only of the valve function, but also of the aortic root and the ascending aorta. ⋯ Prophylactic surgical repair of the dilated aorta should be recommended more aggressively for patients with BAV than for those with a tricuspid aortic valve. However, the optimal timing of aortic surgery in BAV patients remains uncertain because of the limited data available on the natural history of asymptomatic aortic dilatation.
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J Cardiovasc Med (Hagerstown) · Jan 2006
Case ReportsSpontaneous coronary artery dissection after heavy lifting in a 25-year-old man with coronary risk factors.
Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a clinical condition rarely leading to acute myocardial infarction (AMI). We report the case of SCAD presenting AMI in a 25-year-old man with coronary risk factors after strenuous exercise, who was successfully treated with systemic thrombolysis. Coronary angiography revealed spiral dissection of the proximal part of the left anterior descending artery. The present case supports the occurrence of SCAD as a cause of AMI in young male patients who have coronary risk factors, after heavy lifting.