Valvular Heart Dysfunction Related to Anti Alpha-gal Antibodies 

 

BACKGROUND: The use of bioprosthesis for aortic valve surgery has increased in the last decade, partly due to the increased durability in newer generations of bioprosthesis and the future possibility of a TAVR in case of valvular dysfunction. Structural deterioration results in stenosis or regurgitation due to calcification, rupture, or in some cases thrombus formation. Early dysfunction with a possible immunologic origin has been previously described related to the development of Anti-gal specific antibodies.