Cusp tear in bicuspid aortic valve possibly caused by phentermine

Int J Cardiol. 2006 Jan 13;106(2):262-3. doi: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2004.12.075.

Abstract

A 28 year old woman underwent echocardiography following an incidental finding of a diastolic murmur. She has been taking phentermine for weight reduction for 8 months. Trans-esophageal echocardiography revealed a tear of the posterior cusp of the aortic valve causing severe regurgitation. Phentermine is known to cause valvular disease with prolonged use, but aortic valve rupture was not previously reported as a complication of phentermine valvulopathy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aortic Valve / diagnostic imaging
  • Aortic Valve / drug effects*
  • Appetite Depressants / adverse effects*
  • Echocardiography, Transesophageal
  • Female
  • Heart Valve Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Heart Valve Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Humans
  • Phentermine / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Appetite Depressants
  • Phentermine