Aortic annulus

The aortic annulus is a complex, virtual anatomical structure located at the junction of the left ventricular outflow tract and the aortic root (StatPearls, 2023). It is defined by the plane passing through the three lowest points, or basal attachments, of the aortic valve leaflets (Radiopaedia, 2024). Biologically, it provides the structural framework necessary for the proper opening and closing of the aortic valve, maintaining unidirectional blood flow from the heart to the systemic circulation. While it is not a molecular target for drugs, its geometry and integrity are paramount in the treatment of valvular heart diseases (NIH, 2022). In clinical practice, the aortic annulus is the primary reference point for sizing prosthetic valves in procedures like Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR). Pathologies such as annular calcification or dilation are central to the development of aortic stenosis and regurgitation, respectively (JACC, 2021). The annulus also serves as an anchor point for surgical sutures or transcatheter valve frames. Understanding its relationship with adjacent structures, like the conduction system and coronary ostia, is vital for avoiding procedural complications.

Other names

Aortic valve annulusVentriculo-aortic junctionBasal ring of the aortic valve

Not applicable; the aortic annulus is an anatomical landmark rather than a molecular target for drug binding.