Can connective tissue disorders cause valvular heart disease?

Connective tissue disorders can affect the heart and its valves, leading to valvular heart disease. Some connective tissue disorders associated with valvular heart disease include:

1. Marfan Syndrome: Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects connective tissue throughout the body. It can cause weakness in the aortic root, leading to aortic valve regurgitation or, less commonly, aortic stenosis.

2. Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS): EDS is a group of inherited disorders that affect connective tissues. Some types of EDS, such as vascular EDS and EDS type 4, can cause mitral valve prolapse, a condition where the mitral valve does not close properly.

3. Loeys-Dietz Syndrome: Loeys-Dietz syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects connective tissue and can cause aortic aneurysm and dissection. It is associated with an increased risk of aortic valve abnormalities, including aortic regurgitation and aortic stenosis.

4. Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum (PXE): PXE is a rare genetic disorder that affects elastic fibers in connective tissue. It can lead to aortic valve stenosis and regurgitation.

5. Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI): OI is a genetic disorder that affects bone and connective tissue formation. Some types of OI, particularly type IV (dominant OI), can be associated with mitral valve regurgitation.

6. Turner Syndrome: Turner syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects females and involves the absence of one X chromosome. It is associated with an increased risk of bicuspid aortic valve, a congenital condition where the aortic valve has only two leaflets instead of three.

It's important to note that not all individuals with connective tissue disorders will develop valvular heart disease, but these conditions can increase the risk. Regular monitoring and follow-up with a cardiologist are recommended for individuals with connective tissue disorders to detect and manage any potential heart valve problems.