Bicuspid Aortic Valve Stenosis and the Effect of vItamin K2 on Calciummetabolism on 18F-NaF PET/MRI
Bicuspid Aortic Valve Stenosis and the Effect of vItamin K2 on Calciummetabolism on 18F-NaF PET/MRI
Early development of calcified aortic valve disease (CAVD) is a commonly occurring
 complication in patients with a bicuspid aortic valve (BAV, an aortic valve consisting of two
 leaflets instead of three). In general, CAVD is characterized by progressive narrowing of the
 aortic valve, with involvement of altered calcium metabolism. CAVD progression in fact may
 lead to necessity of valve replacement, since to date, no other therapies have been shown
 effective in the treatment of CAVD.

 The primary objective of our study is to test the hypothesis that supplementation of vitamin
 K2 will slow down the calcium metabolism in CAVD. Vitamin K2 is essential in the activation
 of matrix Gla Protein (MGP), an important inhibitory factor in the regulation of
 calcification.

 In this randomized controlled trial, 44 patients will be allocated to either the vitamin K2
 or placebo group. To assess the calcification process in a detailed manner in these patients,
 a Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scanner using a tracer (18F-fluoride [NaF]) that has
 been shown to bind to regions of newly developing microcalcification in aortic valve tissue
 is used.

 We expect that vitamin K2 supplementation will reduce the calcium metabolism in the aortic
 valve on 18NaF-PET (primary endpoint) and slow progression of CAVD as measured by the calcium
 score on CT and echocardiography after 18 months (secondary endpoints), when compared to
 placebo.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  known bicuspid aortic valve

 -  calcified mild to moderate aortic valve stenosis on prior echocardiography

 -  informed consent provided

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  absence of calcified aortic valve stenosis on echocardiography

 -  presence of severe aortic valve stenosis

 -  history of aortic valve repair or replacement

 -  accepted atrial fibrillation

 -  use of oral anticoagulants

 -  claustrophobia

 -  presence of a pacemaker, ICD or ferromagnetic materials in the body

 -  life expectancy <2 years

 -  Pregnancy (current or wish for near future)

 -  soy allergy

 -  use of vitamin K-containing supplements