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Floppy aortic valves without aortic root dilatation: clinical, histologic, and ultrastructural studies
Koichi Tamura1, Takemi I-Ida, Takenori Fujii
1Division of Surgical Pathology, Nippon Medical School Hospital, Japan. tamura@nms.ac.jp
Journal of Nippon Medical School = Nippon Ika Daigaku Zasshi
|August 21, 2002
Summary
Floppy aortic valves (FAVs) exhibit myxoid material accumulation and disrupted connective tissue, leading to severe aortic regurgitation. These changes are similar to floppy mitral valves, contributing to cardiac valve floppiness.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Pathology
- Connective Tissue Biology
Background:
- Floppy aortic valves (FAVs) are a cause of aortic regurgitation.
- Patients often present with severe regurgitation and mild heart failure symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the gross, histologic, and ultrastructural characteristics of resected floppy aortic valves.
- To understand the underlying connective tissue abnormalities in FAVs.
Main Methods:
- Gross examination of 32 resected FAVs.
- Histologic analysis of valve tissue.
- Ultrastructural examination using electron microscopy.
Main Results:
- FAVs showed myxoid material in the spongiosa, regardless of gross morphology.
- Histology revealed sparse, irregular collagen and disrupted elastic fibers.
- Ultrastructure showed proteoglycan granules, spiraling collagen, and abnormal elastic fibers.
Conclusions:
- Abnormalities in connective tissue formation/degradation cause FAVs.
- These changes are similar to those in floppy mitral valves.
- Connective tissue defects are linked to cardiac valve floppiness.