P915 Bicuspid aortic valve: differences between populations

Congenital bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is the most common congenital valve abnormality, with an estimated incidence of 0.5-2% in adults. However, BAV is much less prevalent in some populations and racial differences were reported. Aim: Comparison between Arab and Jewish patients with BAV in Israel. Methods: Screening of 18962 echocardiographic studies in Bnai Zion Medical Center and evaluation of demographic, atherosclerotic risk factors, clinical and echocardiographic parameters was performed. Results: Male to female ratio in Arab patients was 4.6:1 while in Jewish patients 1.6:1, p < 0.01. The age of both populations with BAV was similar 45 ± 21yeras, however larger prevalence was found of cigarette smoking and diabetes mellitus in Arabs 31.1% and 6.7% than in Jews 8.2% and 3.5% respectively, p < 0.05. Left ventricular, left atrial and aortic dimensions as well as Doppler parameters were similar in both groups except for large mitral peak A-wave velocities in Jewish patients. Prevalence of aortic valve stenosis in Jewish patients was 35% similar to that in Arabs 33% with similar severity and mean pressure gradients. Aortic valve regurgitation was fond in 53% of Arab patients and in 46% of Jewish patients, p = ns, however, moderately severe and severe aortic regurgitation was more prevalent in Arab patients 22% compared to 13% of Jewish patients, p < 0.05. During 10 years follow up, 25% of Arab patients needed aortic valve replacement while in Jewish patients 10% had surgery, p < 0.05. Conclusion: In Arab patients, male to female ratio was larger, with higher prevalence of moderately severe to severe aortic regurgitation and higher rate of aortic valve replacement compared to Jewish patients.