AORTIC AND MITRAL AFFECTION IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC RENAL FAILURE ON HAEMODIALYSIS

Abstract

Calcification of the mitral and aoritc valves can occur prematurely in patients with chronic uraemia on long term • • haemodialysis . The cause of premature calcification of the mitral

and aortic valves 1s uncertain, however, secondary hyperparathyroidism> hypertension and hypercholesterolaemia •are thought to be possible essential causes .

The duration of renal failure and subsequent haemodialysis can cause mechanical stress on valves mainly through hypertension and increased cardiac output ( anemia , arterio :- venous fistula ) causing further valve changes .

• Calcification of the mitral annulus can cause mitral regurgitation or stenosis or both and is also often associated with aortic valve calcification . Severe aortic valve calcification can cause aortic stenosis and aortic regurgitation .

. Complications of calcification are common including the following : valve regurgitation and I . or stenosis, arterial emboli, atrioventricular block and infective endocarditis .