[Recurrent epistaxis in a patient with aortic valve stenosis: a variant of Heyde syndrome?].

BACKGROUND

The Heyde syndrome describes the coincidence of aortic valve stenosis and intestinal bleeding. The pathophysiologic link between both entities has remained unclear so far. In several studies the intestinal bleedings have been attributed to angiodysplasia. Cessations of the intestinal bleedings following replacement of the aortic valve have been described by numerous reports.

CASE REPORT

We describe the history of a 70-year-old man with a calcified aortic valve stenosis. In addition, he suffered from recurrent severe epistaxis over several years. Replacement of the aortic valve by bioprosthesis resulted in complete cessation of the nasal bleedings over a follow-up period of 6 years.

CONCLUSION

This case report suggests that aortic valve stenoses may be associated with extraintestinal bleedings as well.