¹⁸F-NaF PET Can Predict Ascending Aorta Dilatation in Patients With Bicuspid Aortic Valve

Background: Bicuspid aortic valve disease can result in serious and even fatal complications such as aortic dissection. Determining the risk stratification for particular patients, such as the potential for increasing aortic dilatation, can be challenging. Since the progression of this disease can cause a decrease in the elastin fibers and associated microcalcifications, which could lead to aortic dilatation, measuring the amount of microcalcifications using fluorine-18–labeled [ 18 F]–sodium fluoride ( 18 F-NaF) PET may aid in this disease assessment. Objective: To determine whether evaluating patients with bicuspid aortic valvular disease using molecular calcification imaging with 18 F-NaF PET would provide accurate information about patient outcomes. Design: Prospective, longitudinal cohort study. Methods: With institutional review board approval, subjects with bicuspid aortic valvular disease detected between April 4, 2019, and July 24, 2021, were recruited. Their disease course more...