Time-Dependent Changes in Porcelain Aorta and Aortic Stenosis in a Patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

Time-Dependent Changes in Porcelain Aorta and Aortic Stenosis in a Patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Int Heart J. 2020 Nov 13;: Authors: Hirose K, Kodera S, Daimon M, Komuro I Abstract Porcelain aorta, defined as extensive calcification of the ascending aorta or aortic arch, is a reported risk factor for embolic stroke during cardiac surgery. However, the time course of the progression of aortic calcification leading to porcelain aorta has not been elucidated. We herein describe a 70-year-old woman who was followed up for systemic lupus erythematosus and antiphospholipid syndrome for approximately 20 years. A routine computed tomography scan revealed progression of ascending aortic calcification to porcelain aorta. The calcification was absent during the preceding 12 years, partial 6 years later, and total after another 3 years. Computed tomography also demonstrated aortic and mitral valve calcification in the development of porcelain aorta. During the 3 years prior to the last admission, annual echocardiography examinations showed progression of calcific aortic stenosis with symptoms. The patient was admitted to our institution for aortic valve replacement. Considering the high risk of perioperative stroke associated with porcelain aorta, transcatheter aortic valve implantation was performed. Postoperative transthoracic echocardiography revealed improvement of the aortic stenosis with no symptoms. The present case revealed ...
Source: International Heart Journal - Category: Cardiology Tags: Int Heart J Source Type: research