Caseous necrosis of the mitral annulus: a new feature of drug-induced valvular heart disease? Case series

BACKGROUND: Drug-induced valvular heart disease (DI-VHD) is a well-defined condition associated with specific pathology features. However, clinical presentations may broadly vary and thereby make DI-VHD diagnosis more challenging. CASE SUMMARY: We report two patients with a history of benfluorex administration, who developed extensive mitral calcific lesions which evolved towards caseous necrosis. DISCUSSION: Prospective follow-up over several years of these two patients who initially had typical DI-VHD findings provided monitoring evidence of extensive calcifications and subsequent caseous necrosis. These reports suggest a link between calcific heart injury and benfluorex exposure. The diagnosis of DI-VHD may be overlooked at this late stage.