Asymptomatic, Incidental Quadricuspid Aortic Valve: A Case Report and Discussion of Management

TL;DR

This case report discusses the rare condition of a quadricuspid aortic valve and highlights the lack of clear guidelines for its management.

Contribution

The paper presents a new case of an asymptomatic quadricuspid aortic valve and reviews the limited existing literature on its management.

Findings

An incidental QAV was found in a tuberculosis patient with bicuspid-like valve function.

Current literature lacks consensus on the classification and treatment of QAV.

Physicians face challenges due to the absence of evidence-based guidelines for QAV management.

Abstract

With its exceeding rarity, there is little research on the quadricuspid aortic valve (QAV) inherently to drive guideline-based management. This leaves physicians without evidence-based guidance on the management of such patients should they come across this finding on imaging or should they care for a symptomatic patient. This article describes the case of an incidentally identified QAV in a patient undergoing treatment for tuberculosis, which seemingly had bicuspid-appearing valve hemodynamics. Additionally, current literature is reviewed to describe classification, presentation, complications, and intervention, with additional exploration and commentary on the lack of guideline-based care.

Figures