Calcific stenosis of a glutaraldehyde-treated porcine bioprosthesis in the aortic position

The porcine xenograft bioprosthesis is used widely at the present time, although its long-term durability is still being evaluated. Calcification resulting in stenosis of the glutaraldehyde-treated bioprosthesis has been reported infrequently. In the patient described herein, severe calcific stenosis of a porcine xenograft in the aortic position occurred 45 months after implantation. This report emphasizes the life-threatening and rapidly progressive nature of this complication in the long-term survivor after valve replacement.