Aortic incompetence associated with severe rheumatoid arthritis

Homograft root replacement for juvenile rheumatoid aortic valve incompetence

We report a case of severe, crippling juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and aortic insufficiency in a young woman. Homograft replacement of the aortic root offered both long-term durability and the freedom from thromboembolism that her systemic illness required.