Severe Mitral and Aortic Regurgitation in Association with Ankylosing Spondylitis

Abstract

Aortic disease and aortic valve regurgitation are well documented in association with ankylosing spondylitis, although involvement of the mitral valve occurs more rarely. We report a case of severe mitral and aortic regurgitation in association with ankylosing spondylitis. We then discuss the characteristic cardiac manifestations that may occur in association with ankylosing spondylitis and the associated echocardiographic features.

Cardiomyopathy in ankylosing spondylitis

“…The landmark pathologic study in such patients was published by Brewerton et al in 1987 (13). In that study, histopathologic and necropsy studies in 28 AS patients with cardiomyopathy without ischemic or valvular heart disease or hypertension revealed a mild but diffuse increase in interstitial connective tissue (reticulin) (14). No inflammation was observed.…”

Cardiac Manifestations of Seronegative Spondyloarthropathy in a Human Leukocyte Antigen B27–Positive African American Woman: A Case Report With Literature Review

“…Another common finding is the subaortic bump that results from the extension of the fibrosis into the aortomitral junction 8 . The anterior mitral cusp may also be involved in this inflammatory process, producing mitral regurgitation as seen in our patient, although this is less common 11 . The exact trigger for this inflammatory process and preferential involvement of the left heart valves is unclear 8 …”

Red Cell Distribution Width and Subclinical Left Ventricular Dysfunction in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis

“…The prevelance and importance of cardiovascular diseases in rheumatologic disorders have increased due to understanding of the importance of inflammation and the immune system in cardiac disorders. Aortitis , aortic root abnormalities with aortic regurgitation , conduction system abnormalities and cardiomyopathies were the most frequent reported cardiovascular disorders in the studies including patients with AS [13,14].…”