Rapid calcification of the bovine pericardial valve in adolescence. Critical aortic stenosis, hemolytic anemia, and quantitative renal hemosiderosis.

A 16-year-old boy developed marked calcific stenosis of an Ionescu-Shiley valve that was implanted in the aortic position 42 months before his sudden death. Renal hemosiderosis caused by intravascular hemolysis was quantitated by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The accelerated calcification of the bovine pericardial valve in our patient supports the view that, in general, xenografts should not be used in adolescents. Frequent follow-up evaluations are imperative in young patients who receive these valves to avoid the irrevocable progression of valvular stenosis and hemolytic anemia.