Bicuspid Aortic Valve and Aortic Dissection. the Value of Genetics in Forensic Pathology

The present work collects three clinical cases of medicolegal autopsy findings in which some possible circumstances are exemplified in which the bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) can be evidenced in forensic pathology practice. Regarding them, a discussion is developed on the demographic characteristics of BAV, its debated association with the so-called bicuspid aortopathy and its complex heritability. Emphasis is placed on the importance of carrying out a complete autopsy study and having the advice of cardiology and genetics professionals in order to proceed with possible genetic studies of the deceased and preventive medical examinations of their relatives in the first degree.