Comprehensive evaluation of bicuspid aortic valve structure, hemodynamics, and tissue characterization in mice using MRI

Bicuspid Aortic Valve (BAV) is the most common congenital heart disease affecting 1-2% of all live births. Current clinical management includes periodic surveillance of aortic valve dysfunction, and only when the valve becomes stenotic is intervention recommended, which includes surgical procedures that come with insuperable long-term outcomes. We optimized a small-animal MRI protocol for comprehensive evaluation of the BAV structure, function, flow pattern, and tissue characterization. Children and adolescents with BAV would benefit from this comprehensive assessment of their risk profile during early stages of the disease to better predict outcomes and clinical management strategies.