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Severe aortic and mitral calcification in identical twin boys
Serdar Bayata1, Murat Yesil, Nursen Postaci
1Cardiology Department, Atatürk State Hospital, Izmir, Turkey. iaehkar@superonline.com
Summary
Severe calcification of heart valves caused exercise-induced syncope in identical twin boys. Both required valve replacement surgery due to severe aortic stenosis.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Genetics
- Pediatric Medicine
Background:
- Exercise-induced syncope can be a symptom of underlying cardiac conditions.
- Genetic factors may predispose individuals to valvular heart disease.
- Calcification of cardiac valves can lead to significant stenosis and hemodynamic compromise.
Observation:
- Identical twin boys presented with recurrent episodes of syncope during physical exertion.
- Echocardiography revealed severe calcification affecting the aortic valves, mitral anterior leaflets, and mitral annuli in both patients.
- One patient also showed involvement of the basal interventricular septum.
Findings:
- Doppler evaluation confirmed severe aortic stenosis with peak gradients of 112 and 118 mm Hg in both individuals.
- Moderate mitral stenosis was diagnosed in one of the twins.
- Both patients underwent successful surgical valve replacement.
Implications:
- This case highlights a rare presentation of severe valvular calcification and stenosis in young identical twins.
- Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for managing exercise-induced syncope secondary to severe valvular disease.
- Genetic predisposition should be considered in familial cases of early-onset calcific valvular heart disease.