Bicuspid aortic stenosis CT

Overview
Computed tomography can be helpful as a diagnostic tool in conditions where the echocardiographic findings are inconclusive.

Cardiac CT
Bicuspid aortic valves are often associated with dilatation of the aortic root or ascending thoracic aorta, which can lead to aortic aneurysm or aortic dissection. Visualization of mid aorta may be difficult with echocardiography and during such instances, MRI or CT are helpful to evaluate for aneurysm or dissection in aorta.

==ACC/AHA Guidelines for Cardiac CT in Patients with Bicuspid Aortic Valve == {{cquote|

Class I
1. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging or cardiac computed tomography is indicated in patients with bicuspid aortic valves when morphology of the aortic root or ascending aorta cannot be assessed accurately by echocardiography. (Level of Evidence: C)

2. Patients with bicuspid aortic valves and dilatation of the aortic root or ascending aorta (diameter > 4.0 cm*) should undergo serial evaluation of aortic root/ascending aorta size and morphology by echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance, or computed tomography on a yearly basis. (Level of Evidence: C)

Class IIa
1. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging or cardiac computed tomography is reasonable in patients with bicuspid aortic valves when aortic root dilatation is detected by echocardiography to further quantify severity of dilatation and involvement of the ascending aorta. (Level of Evidence: B)

*Consider lower threshold values for patients of small stature of either gender.}}