Clinical characteristics and outcome of infective endocarditis in adults with bicuspid aortic valves: a multicentre observational study

ObjectiveTo analyse characteristics and outcomes of infective endocarditis (IE) on bicuspid aortic valves (BAV) and to compare the risk of death according to the presence or absence of BAV.Design5-year observational study.SettingPopulation of 856 patients with definite IE according to the Duke criteria from two tertiary centres (Amiens and Marseille, France).Patients310 consecutive patients with definite native aortic valve IE enrolled between 1991 and 2007.InterventionsPatients underwent transthoracic and transoesophageal echocardiography during hospitalisation. Surgery was performed on a case-by-case basis according to conventional guidelines.Main outcome measuresIn-hospital mortality and 5-year overall mortality.ResultsPatients with BAV IE (n=50, 16%) were younger, had fewer comorbidities and a higher frequency of aortic perivalvular abscess (50%). Presence of BAV (OR 3.79 (1.97–7.28); p