Association of aortic stenosis and gastrointestinal bleeding (Heyde's syndrome). Report of two cases

Abstract

The association between aortic stenosis and digestive angiodysplasia has been described for the first time by Heyde in 1958. This entity is thus known as Heyde's syndrome. In many instances, the recurrent small intestinal bleeding originating from angiodysplasia stopped after aortic valve replacement. We report two cases of patients presenting with a recurrent small intestinal bleeding originating from digestive angiodysplasia and suffering from aortic stenosis. Diagnosis of both pathologies is well documented in both cases. The replacement of the aortic valve by a biologic prosthesis stopped the bleeding. Prior to aortic valve replacement, the two patients suffered severe recurrent blood loss from intestinal angiodysplasia. The treatment of aortic stenosis greatly favored both cardiac and general status. We recommend aortic valve replacement with a biologic prosthesis prior to intestinal resection in patients presenting with Heyde's syndrome. We stress on the fact that anticoagulants must be stopped in order to minimize the risk of further bleeding.