Serum Galectin-3 Levels and Aortic Dimensions in Children with Bicuspid Aortic Valve

This study aimed to compare serum galectin-3 levels between children with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) and healthy controls and to investigate the association between galectin-3 levels and aortic dimensions in children with BAV. This prospective, single-center, cross-sectional, controlled study included 47 children with echocardiographically confirmed BAV and 43 healthy controls. Echocardiographic aortic dimensions and corresponding Z-scores, anthropometric measurements, and serum galectin-3 levels were assessed. Aortic dilation was defined as an ascending aorta Z-score > 2. Age, body mass index, and cardiac function were similar between groups, whereas sex distribution differed significantly. Ascending aorta diameter and Z-score were significantly greater in the BAV group than in controls (27.94 ± 5.56 vs. 21.52 ± 2.53 mm, p < 0.001; 2.34 ± 1.54 vs. 0.31 ± 0.72, p < 0.001). Aortic dilation was present in 28 (59.6%) BAV patients. Serum galectin-3 levels did not differ between BAV patients and controls [8.70 (7.03–11.38) vs. 8.05 (6.10–13.15) ng/mL, p = 0.566]. No significant correlation was found between galectin-3 levels and aortic dimensions or Z-scores. Galectin-3 levels were also similar in BAV patients with and without aortic dilation [8.80 (6.58–12.30) vs. 8.15 (6.30–10.95) ng/mL, p = 0.537]. Serum galectin-3 levels were not associated with aortic dimensions or aortic dilation in children with BAV. Longitudinal studies incorporating serial assessment of aortic dimensions and complementary markers of aortic disease are warranted.