# The Diagnosis of Quadricuspid Aortic Valve-Induced Cardiomyopathy: Return to the Basics When in Doubt

## TL;DR

A rare case of heart valve defect causing severe heart failure is presented, emphasizing the need for advanced imaging techniques for accurate diagnosis.

## Contribution

The paper highlights the diagnostic challenges of quadricuspid aortic valve and advocates for advanced imaging techniques for confirmation.

## Key findings

- Transthoracic echocardiography may be insufficient for diagnosing quadricuspid aortic valve.
- Transesophageal echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging are more effective for diagnosis.
- Prompt diagnosis and surgery are essential to prevent heart failure progression.

## Abstract

We present a case of a 43-year-old female with a rare congenital quadricuspid aortic valve (QAV) leading to severe aortic regurgitation (AR) and acute decompensated systolic heart failure. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges associated with QAV, particularly when using transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), and emphasizes the importance of advanced imaging techniques like transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging in confirming the diagnosis. Prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention are crucial in preventing the progression of heart failure and improving outcomes.