Description
This specimen is a Ionescu Shiley prosthetic aortic valve. There is extensive dystrophic
calcification throughout the valve leaflets; in areas the calcification has bridged the leaflets
preventing adequate valve function.
History
This 26-year-old female underwent replacement of both the mitral and aortic valves five
years previously for valvular incompetence resulting from an episode of rheumatic carditis when
aged nine years. Routine follow-up showed stenosis and regurgitation in the aortic valve graft,
which was replaced.