Erosion and perforation of a cusp by nodular calcification: an unusual cause of insufficiency in a congenital bicuspid aortic valve.

Aortic valve insufficiency may occur in a number of backgrounds. A unique etiology is illustrated in a 53-year-old man with terminal cardiac failure due to ischemic heart and aortic valvular disease. Nodular calcification complicated a congenital bicuspid valve and caused erosion through a valve cusp, producing a chronic cusp defect and valvular insufficiency.