Calcifications in benfluorex-induced valve heart disease: a misknown association

Cardiology. 2015;130(2):87-90. doi: 10.1159/000369128. Epub 2015 Jan 20.

Abstract

Benfluorex, an anorexigenic agent, is recognized to induce noncalcified restrictive valvular regurgitation. We report a well-documented case of a 73-year-old patient who developed heart failure with aortic and mitral regurgitation following benfluorex intake. Echocardiography and peroperative analysis found large mitral annular calcifications and aortic subvalvular calcifications. Pathology confirmed drug-induced valve heart disease (DIVHD). The presence of valvular apparatus calcification should not lead to diagnosis of degenerative valvular disease and a priori preclude the diagnosis of DIVHD.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aortic Valve Insufficiency / pathology
  • Appetite Depressants / adverse effects*
  • Calcinosis / chemically induced*
  • Fenfluramine / adverse effects
  • Fenfluramine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Heart Valve Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mitral Valve Insufficiency / pathology

Substances

  • Appetite Depressants
  • Fenfluramine
  • benfluorex