Calcifications in Benfluorex-Induced Valve Heart Disease: A Misknown Association

Abstract

Benfluorex, an anorexigenic agent, is recognized to induce noncalcified restrictive valvular regurgitation. We report a well-documented case of a 73-year-old patient who developed heart failure with aortic and mitral regurgitation following benfluorex intake. Echocardiography and peroperative analysis found large mitral annular calcifications and aortic subvalvular calcifications. Pathology confirmed drug-induced valve heart disease (DIVHD). The presence of valvular apparatus calcification should not lead to diagnosis of degenerative valvular disease and a priori preclude the diagnosis of DIVHD.