Cardiac troponin I in aortic valve disease

Abstract Background: Plasma cardiac troponin I levels may be higher than normal in conditions other than ischemic heart disease. We aimed at measuring troponin I levels in aortic valve patients, in which increased values for left ventricular dimensions and pressure are frequently found. Methods: Plasma levels of troponin I, creatine kinase (CK) and the MB fraction of the same enzyme were measured in a group of 25 clinically stable aortic valve patients. Echocardiographic study was performed in all patients; hemodynamic and coronary angiographic study was performed in 19 patients. Troponin I was also measured in a control population ( n =305). Results: The mean value for troponin I was found to be higher in aortic valve patients (0.07±0.02 ng/ml), when compared to controls (0.01±0.02 ng/ml; P n =11, vs. 12.1±0.3 mm, n =13) and pulmonary artery systolic pressures (36.6±2.5 mmHg, n =7, vs. 53.7±3.4 mmHg, n =9). Conclusions: We conclude that slightly raised plasma levels of cardiac troponin I are relatively common in aortic valve patients with no evidence of ischemia. Higher left ventricular wall thickness and pulmonary artery systolic pressure may be related to slightly raised troponin I plasma levels.