Cardiovascular abnormalities in progeria. Case report and review of the literature.

Abstract

The cardiovascular findings in cases of progeria are similar in many respects to the changes associated with aging. These changes include prominent atherosclerosis and calcification of the aortic and mitral valves, coronary arteries, and aorta. The coronary artery disease leads to ischemic changes in the myocardium, including well-defined infarcts. In addition, the present case demonstrates narrowing of the small intramural arteries, which may have contributed to myocardial fibrosis.