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[Calcifying aortic valve stenosis and occult gastrointestinal hemorrhage (Heyde syndrome): description of 2 cases]

W Knobloch1, E Hauser, R Niehues

  • 1Klinik für Kardiologie, St.-Vincenz-Krankenhaus, Akademisches Lehrkrankenhaus der Gesamthochschule Essen.

Zeitschrift Fur Kardiologie
|August 12, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Heyde syndrome, the link between aortic valve stenosis and gastrointestinal bleeding, may be resolved by aortic valve replacement. This intervention successfully stopped bleeding in two patients with this condition.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Gastroenterology
  • Hematology

Context:

  • Heyde syndrome describes the concurrence of aortic valve stenosis and unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding, often from angiodysplasia.
  • The underlying pathophysiological mechanisms linking these conditions remain incompletely understood, with potential roles for subtle coagulation abnormalities.
  • Recent discussions have questioned the distinct existence of Heyde syndrome, necessitating further clinical evidence.

Purpose:

  • To investigate the association between aortic valve stenosis and cryptogenic gastrointestinal bleeding.
  • To explore the potential resolution of gastrointestinal bleeding following intervention for aortic valve stenosis.
  • To present clinical cases and review existing literature on Heyde syndrome.

Summary:

  • This study details two cases of patients presenting with both aortic valve stenosis and cryptogenic gastrointestinal bleeding.
  • Both patients experienced cessation of gastrointestinal bleeding after undergoing aortic valve replacement with a bioprosthesis.
  • The findings suggest a potential therapeutic link between addressing aortic valve stenosis and resolving associated gastrointestinal bleeding.

Impact:

  • Provides clinical evidence supporting the link between aortic valve stenosis and gastrointestinal bleeding.
  • Suggests aortic valve replacement as a potential treatment for gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with Heyde syndrome.
  • Contributes to the ongoing discussion regarding the validity and management of Heyde syndrome.

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