| Theme |
Diagnosis and treatment for coronary artery disease and valvular heart disease in dialysis patients |
| Title |
Valvular heart disease in dialysis patients -- diagnosis and screening |
| Author |
Yuji Ikari |
Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Tokai University School of Medicine |
| [ Summary ] |
As the causes of valvular heart disease, rheumatic fever has reduced but degeneration is increasing. In dialysis patients, valvular calcification is strongly related to valvular heart disease. Analysis of patient history and auscultation are important for formulating diagnoses. Chest X-rays and echocardiography are important as diagnositic tests. Aortic valve stenosis in patients with dialysis is primarily caused by degeneration and calcification of the aortic valve. The rapid progress of calcification may cause cardiac related death. Aortic valve replacement should be considered in these cases. Mitral stenosis is caused by rheumatic fever. However, in dialysis patients, calcification is also a factor contributing to valvular stenosis. Percutaneous mitral commissurotomy or valve replacement should be considered. |