[Aortic valve surgery for autoimmune disease]

Aortic valve disease of autoimmune disease is complicated in pre-, peri- and post-operative care. Recommended care in aortitis, ankylosing spondylitis, systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis were described. Surgical strategy should be determined depending on basic disease, degree of inflammation and region of disease. Because of the fragile tissue of autoimmune disease patient, modified Bentall procedure is recommended to prevent a prosthetic valve dropping off for aortitis. Perioperatively, it is important to control the inflammation of basic disease, thus a steroid cover is necessary perioperatively. Some complications such as infection, out-of-control of anti-coaguration or gastro-intestinal bleeding should be avoided. Post operation, a strict follow up of prosthetic valve and aorta around suture line and control of autoimmune disease should be achieved.