Valvular heart disease associated with taking low-dose pergolide for restless legs syndrome

A 49-year-old female took low-dose pergolide (625 microg daily) for approx. 5 years (approximately cumulative dose 1.140 g/5 years) for the treatment of restless legs syndrome. She developed moderate to severe mitral and aortic valve insufficiency, requiring semi-urgent double-valve replacement. The initial diagnosis of rheumatic valve disease was refuted on histological examination of the valves due to the lack of typical calcification and neovascularization. Valvular heart disease is associated with the use of dopamine agonists for the treatment of Parkinson's disease and obesity, typically at much higher doses.