Early bioprosthetic valve calcification with alfacalcidol supplementation

J Cardiothorac Surg. 2013 Jan 16:8:11. doi: 10.1186/1749-8090-8-11.

Abstract

We report a case of early bioprosthetic valve calcification in a 76 year-old woman who had received supplementation with alfacalcidol, an analogue of vitamin D, for 3 years after her initial valve replacement. She underwent aortic valve replacement at the age of 71 and subsequently complained of shortness of breath. Ultrasonic cardiography revealed severe aortic stenosis and we performed a second aortic valve replacement with a bioprosthesis. Histopathologic and x-ray examination showed calcification on the explanted valve. She had not presented with any known risk for early bioprosthetic calcification, suggesting that vitamin D supplementation may accelerate calcification of bioprosthetic valves.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aortic Valve / chemistry
  • Aortic Valve / pathology
  • Aortic Valve Stenosis / chemically induced
  • Aortic Valve Stenosis / etiology*
  • Aortic Valve Stenosis / metabolism
  • Bioprosthesis / adverse effects*
  • Calcinosis / chemically induced
  • Calcinosis / etiology*
  • Calcinosis / metabolism
  • Female
  • Heart Valve Prosthesis / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Hydroxycholecalciferols / adverse effects*
  • Hydroxycholecalciferols / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Hydroxycholecalciferols
  • alfacalcidol