Aortic Valve Replacement In Alkaptonuric Ochronosis.

Alkaptonuria is an autosomal recessive inborn error of metabolism of the aromatic amino acids. Deficiency of the homogentisate1,2-dioxygenase leads to an increased blood and urinary concentration of homogentisc acid resulting in a slow accumulation of its oxidation products in the connective tissues (ochronosis). The most common clinical manifestation of ochronosis is arthropathy whereas cardiac involvement is very infrequent. We report the case of a patient with ochronotic involvement of the aortic valve who underwent a valve replacement. Some aspects of pathogenesis, and treatment are discussed.