Mitral and Aortic Valve Regurgitation Caused by Methotrexate-Associated Lymphoproliferative Disorder

Abstract

We report on a rare case of valvular regurgitation caused by methotrexate-associated lymphoproliferative disorder (MTX-LPD). A 60-year-old woman was on methotrexate (MTX) for rheumatoid arthritis. She had developed ulcerative lesions on her extremities, which were diagnosed as lymphoproliferative disorder (LPD) by skin biopsy. She had small intestinal perforation during the same time period, and underwent partial bowel resection. MTX was withdrawn perioperatively. The patient experienced congestive heart failure immediately after the operation and was diagnosed with severe mitral valve regurgitation and moderate-to-severe aortic valve regurgitation. She underwent mitral valve plasty and aortic valve replacement. We observed mitral valve perforation, surrounded by a cauliflower-shaped elevation. Meanwhile, the aortic valve leaflets degenerated into cauliflower-like structures. Pathological findings suggested infiltration of B lymphocytes and Epstein–Barr virus infection in the valve tissue. These findings were similar to those of the prior skin ulcer diagnosed as LPD, which healed spontaneously after MTX withdrawal. She was diagnosed with MTX-LPD based on the pathological findings and clinical history. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 19.