Aortic regurgitation in seropositive juvenile arthritis

Abstract

Seropositive juvenile chronic arthritis is a relatively uncommon form of childhood arthritis, but it often causes severe destruction of joints associated with considerable functional disability. During the last 7 years lone aortic regurgitation has been seen to develop in 4 such patients and pursue a particularly aggressive course. Sudden deterioration occurred in 2, 1 of whom required urgent aortic valve replacement and 1 died while awaiting assessment. Because of this it is important to include regular cardiac appraisal as part of the routine assessment in seropositive juvenile arthritis.