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Black aortic valve - ochronosis

Publication at First Faculty of Medicine |
2008

Abstract

We present the case of a 75-year-old woman who was operated because of significant aortic stenosis. Microscopic examination of the valve showed not only degenerative changes but, in addition, extensive deposition of dark brown pigment.

The suspicion of alcaptonuria (ochronosis) was subsequently confirmed by detection of high levels of homogentisic acid in urine.