[Treated case of aortic valve regurgitation associated with Behçet's disease]

Aortic valve replacement was performed to the incompetence of valve cusps with the Behçet's disease. Artificial valve was fixed from the outside of the aortic wall using teflon strips. Satisfactory results were obtained. There are 18 cases of aortic valve regurgitation accompanied with Behçet's disease including this reported case. Not only the aortic valve but also surrounding aortic walls are involved by the inflammatory lesion in Behçet's disease, so that such fixation technique of the prosthetic valve as demonstrated above might be useful. Since Behçet's disease is systemic, progressive and chronic disease, anti-inflammatory treatment with the adrenal steroids is required prior to and after the operation, and there is no distinct method of treatment for Behçet's disease, strict observation of the patient and systemic controls should be recommended continuously.