[Recurrent epistaxis in a patient with aortic valve stenosis: a variant of Heyde syndrome?].
BACKGROUND
The Heyde syndrome describes the coincidence of aortic valve stenosis and intestinal bleeding. The pathophysiologic link between both entities has remained unclear so far. In several studies the intestinal bleedings have been attributed to angiodysplasia. Cessations of the intestinal bleedings following replacement of the aortic valve have been described by numerous reports.


METHODS
We describe the history of a 70-year-old man with a calcified aortic valve stenosis. In addition, he suffered from recurrent severe epistaxis over several years. Replacement of the aortic valve by bioprosthesis resulted in complete cessation of the nasal bleedings over a follow-up period of 6 years.


CONCLUSIONS
This case report suggests that aortic valve stenoses may be associated with extraintestinal bleedings as well.
Preik
Michael
M
Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik B, Klinik für Kardiologie, Pneumologie und Angiologie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf. preik@med.uni-duesseldorf.de
Strauer
Bodo E
BE
D000368:Aged; D001024:Aortic Valve Stenosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery; D001705:Bioprosthesis; D004844:Epistaxis / Q000209:etiology*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006350:Heart Valve Prosthesis; D019918:Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012008:Recurrence; D013577:Syndrome; D013997:Time Factors