Obscure gastrointestinal bleeding and calcific aortic stenosis (Heydeʹs syndrome)

The coexistence of calcific aortic valve stenosis and obscure gastrointestinal bleeding secondary to intestinal angiodysplasias usually of the cecum and the ascending colon constitutes Heydeʹs syndrome. The pathophysiologic link between both entities has remained unclear so far but newer studies suggest that it is the result of subtle alterations in plasma coagulation factors. Cessation of the bleeding has followed replacement of the aortic valve. We describe a patient with recurrent obscure gastrointestinal bleeding, calcific aortic stenosis and intestinal angiodysplasias, and discuss the current literature.