Common deletion variants causing protocadherin-α deficiency contribute to the complex genetics of BAV and left-sided congenital heart disease

Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) with ∼1%–2% prevalence is the most common congenital heart defect (CHD). It frequently results in valve disease and aorta dilation and is a major cause of adult cardiac surgery. BAV is genetically linked to rare left-heart obstructions (left ventricular outflow tract obstructions [LVOTOs]), including hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) and coarctation of the aorta (CoA). Mouse and human studies indicate LVOTO is...