Aortic root replacement with a stentless bioprosthesis in a patient with giant cell arteritis

Abstract

A 66-year-old woman was diagnosed with severe aortic regurgitation. Blood studies constantly showed positive C-reactive protein. Aortic valve replacement using a mechanical valve was carried out. Four months after the operation, echocardiogram showed aortic regurgitation due to paravalvular leakage. Reoperation was performed using a stentless aortic root bioprosthesis. The pathological specimen from the aortic wall was consistent with giant cell arteritis. The patient was treated with prednisone with dramatic improvement of systemic symptoms.

Headache caused by giant cell arteritis

“…Intravascular placement of vascular prostheses is occasionally necessary for aneurysm. Therapy is tailored to the particular patient's clinical situation[38].Other surgical procedures addressing complications of GCA include treatment of aortic aneurysms, aortic dissection, and aortic valve regurgitation with valve replacement[39,40, Class III].…”