Clinical data analysis of valvular involvement in Takayasu arteritis

Objective To investigate the clinical features of valvular lesions in Takayasu's arteritis. Methods We analyzed 22 medical records of patients with Takayasu's arteritis and valvular lesions in Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University from January 2012 to January 2015. Results The spectrums of valvular involvements were aortic valve regurgitation (11, 50%), aortic valve stenosis (1, 4.5%), mitral valve regurgitation (1, 4.5%), mitral valve stenosis (1, 4.5%) and multiple valvular diseases (7, 36.5%).64.7% of patients with aortic valve regurgitation had aortic root dilation.Heart failure was the most common manifestation (63.6%). Glucocorticoid and/or immunosuppressant were administrated on 11 (50%) patients.One (4.5%) patient received Tocilizumab injection.Surgeries were performed on 12 (54.5%) patients with cardiac architecture.Reversible changes in cardiac structure were found by echocardiography within one week after surgery (P<0.05). Three patients died during 10-46 month follow-up, with none of whom taking any anti-inflammatory treatments. Conclusions Aortic regurgitation is the prominent valvular lesion in Takayasu's arteritis, mostly secondary to aortic root dilation.Operation could block myocardium reconstruction promptly.The early surgical complication is rare, while perivalvular leakage may occur during longstanding follow-up.Poor inflammatory control might lead to poor long-term outcome. Key words: Takayasu's arteritis; Valvular lesion; Aortic regurgitation