Quadricuspid

Quadricuspid refers to a congenital anomaly, most commonly affecting heart valves. The term literally means having four cusps or leaflets. While most heart valves typically have two or three cusps, a quadricuspid valve is a variation from this normal anatomy. The most frequently encountered quadricuspid valve is the aortic valve, which normally has three cusps. A quadricuspid aortic valve is a rare condition. Other heart valves can also rarely be quadricuspid. The presence of a quadricuspid valve can sometimes be associated with other cardiac defects, though it can also occur in isolation. In many cases, a quadricuspid valve may not cause any symptoms and can be discovered incidentally during cardiac imaging. However, depending on the specific valve involved and the degree of malformation, it can potentially lead to valvular regurgitation (leakage) or stenosis (narrowing), which may require medical attention or intervention. Diagnosis is typically made through echocardiography, cardiac MRI, or other imaging techniques that visualize the heart valves. The clinical significance and management of a quadricuspid valve depend on its impact on heart function and the presence of any associated complications.