Mitral Valve Fenestration as a Rare Cause of Congenital Mitral Insufficiency Successfully Repaired

Abstract A rare case of congenital mitral insufficiency characterized by a fenestration in the anterior leaflet of mitral valve is reported. At operation, the mitral valve was successfully repaired by closure of unusual valvular tissue orifice with bovine pericardium and suture of the free edge between A1 and A2 without a ring annuloplasty.

Massa Valvar Mitral em Paciente com Suspeita de Lúpus Sistêmico: Tumor, Endocardite ou Ambos? / Mitral Valve Mass in a Patient Suspected of Systemic Lupus: Tumor, Endocarditis or Both?

Resumo Apresentamos o relato de caso de uma paciente com mixoma valvar mitral infectado e uma revisão da literatura sobre o assunto. Uma mulher de 33 anos apresentou histórico de febre e dispneia com evolução de alguns dias. Na hospitalização, ela apresentava uma síndrome semelhante ao lúpus, com hemoculturas positivas para Haemophilus spp . O ecocardiograma revelou uma massa gigante envolvendo ambos os folhetos mitrais associada à regurgitação grave, necessitando de troca valvar mitral biológica. A microscopia revelou mixoma infectado e a paciente recebeu alta assintomática após o término da antibioticoterapia. Ela apresentou bons resultados no seguimento. Este é o sexto caso de mixoma valvar mitral infectado relatado na literatura e o terceiro caso de mixoma cardíaco infectado pelo grupo HACEK. Devido à alta incidência de eventos embólicos, a antibioticoterapia precoce aliada à pronta intervenção cirúrgica são decisivos para a redução da morbimortalidade. O tempo para o diagnóstico foi muito mais breve do que o geralmente relatado em casos de endocardite por HACEK. A troca valvar foi a intervenção mais comum e todos os pacientes em relatos de caso anteriores apresentaram bons resultados no seguimento.

Abstract We present a case report of a patient with an infected mitral valve myxoma and a literature review on the subject. A 33-year-old female presented with a history of fever and dyspnea evolving over a few days. On admission, she had a lupus-like syndrome with positive blood cultures for Haemophilus species . Echocardiogram revealed a giant mass involving both mitral leaflets causing severe regurgitation, requiring biological mitral valve replacement. Microscopy showed an infected myxoma and the patient was discharged asymptomatic upon completion of antibiotics. She did well on follow-up. This is the sixth case of an infected mitral valve myxoma reported in the literature and the third case of a cardiac myxoma infected by the HACEK group. Exceedingly high incidence of embolic events makes prompt imaging, antibiotic therapy and surgery crucial for better outcomes. Time to diagnosis was much briefer than usually reported in other cases of HACEK endocarditis. Valve replacement was the most common surgical procedure and all patients from previous reports did well on follow-up.

Insuficiencia mitral funcional auricular. Estudio ecocardiográfico tridimensional / Atrial functional mitral regurgitation. Three-dimensional echocardiographic study

Resumen Introducción y objetivos: La fibrilación auricular puede producir remodelado de la aurícula izquierda e inducir insuficiencia mitral funcional. El objetivo de este estudio es establecer qué características del anillo mitral están relacionadas con la regurgitación mitral funcional auricular. Método: Restrospectivamente se reclutaron 29 pacientes en fibrilación auricular persistente y 36 en ritmo sinusal. Las características del anillo mitral mediante ecocardiografía transesofágica tridimensional fueron analizadas en ambos grupos. Los parámetros ecocardiográficos 2D y 3D fueron correlacionados con el orificio regurgitante efectivo. Resultados: Los pacientes con fibrilación auricular presentaron mayor volumen de aurícula izquierda, diámetro anteroposterior al final de la diástole y disminución de su porcentaje de cambio (p: 0.015, 0.019 y < 0.001 respectivamente). En el análisis de regresión multivariante el índice de elipticidad (ˇ: −0.756, p: 0.004) y el ratio altura/diámetro anterolateral posteromedial (ˇ: −0.704, p: 0.003) fueron parámetros independientes correlacionados con el orificio regurgitante efectivo (R2: 0.699, p: 0.019) en pacientes con fibrilación auricular. Conclusiones: La fibrilación auricular produce cambios en el tamaño y dinámica del diámetro anteroposterior, lo que provoca un anillo mitral circular. Los mayores determinantes de la insuficiencia mitral funcional auricular en el grupo de fibrilación auricular resultaron el índice de elipticidad y el ratio altura/diámetro anterolateral-posteromedial.

Abstract Introduction and objectives: Atrial fibrillation can lead to left atrium remodelling and induce functional mitral regurgitation. The aim of this study is to establish those features of the mitral annulus that are related to atrial functional mitral regurgitation. Methods: A total of 29 patients with persistent atrial fibrillation and 36 controls in sinus rhythm were retrospectively enrolled. The characteristics of the mitral annulus were analysed by three-dimensional transoesophageal echocardiography in both groups. The 2D and 3D echocardiographic parameters were correlated with the effective regurgitant orifice. Results: Patients with atrial fibrillation had a larger left atrium volume, anteroposterior diameter at end-diastole, and lower percentage of change in this diameter (P = .015, P = .019 and P < .001, respectively). In the multiple regression analysis, the ellipticity index (ˇ: −0.756, P = .004) and height-anterolateral-posteromedial diameter ratio (ˇ: −0704, P = .003) were independent parameters that correlated with the effective regurgitant orifice (R2: 0.699, P = .019) in patients with atrial fibrillation. Conclusions: Atrial fibrillation leads to atrial dilation and alterations in the size and dynamics of the anteroposterior diameter, producing a circular mitral annulus. The independent determining factors of atrial functional mitral regurgitation in the atrial fibrillation group were the ellipticity index and the height-anterolateral-posteromedial diameter ratio.

Insuficiencia mitral moderada progresiva en un niño con síndrome de Axenfeld-Rieger: Importancia del seguimiento cardiológico / Progressive moderate mitral regurgitation in a children with Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome: The importance of cardiologic follow up

El síndrome de Axenfeld-Rieger es una enfermedad congénita con una prevalencia estimada de 1 cada 200 000 individuos. La afectación oftálmica con la disgenesia del segmento anterior es la que define la enfermedad. Se puede presentar desde el período neonatal. Se asocia con afectaciones extraoculares, como dismorfismo craneal y anomalías maxilofaciales o dentarias; otras manifestaciones menos frecuentes son las cardiológicas o hipofisarias. La aparición de cardiopatia no congénita en el síndrome de Axenfeld-Rieger ha sido descrita en muy pocos casos en la literatura. Presentamos un paciente de 7 años de edad que presentó síndrome de Axenfeld-Rieger, con insuficiencia mitral ligera desde los 3 años que progresó a insuficiencia mitral moderada en la actualidad. El seguimiento cardiológico estaría indicado en pacientes con síndrome de Axenfeld-Rieger.

Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome is a congenital disease with an estimated prevalence of one in 200,000 individuals. This is an ophthalmic disorder related to anterior segment dysgenesis, which may be present from the neonatal period. It is associated with extraocular affectations such as cranial dimorphism, maxillofacial or dental anomalies. Cardiological or pituitary manifestations are less common. The congenital heart disease in Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome has been described in very few cases in the literature. We report a 7-year-old patient with Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome and mild mitral insufficiency since the age of 3 years, which is progressing to moderate mitral regurgitation at the present time. The cardiologic follow up may be indicated in patients with Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome.

Paravalvular Regurgitation: Clinical Outcomes in Surgical and Percutaneous Treatments / Regurgitação Paravalvar: Análise de Desfechos Clínicos no Tratamento Cirúrgico e Percutâneo

Abstract Background: Paravalvular regurgitation (paravalvular leak) is a serious and rare complication associated with valve replacement surgery. Studies have shown a 3% to 6% incidence of paravalvular regurgitation with hemodynamic repercussion. Few studies have compared surgical and percutaneous approaches for repair. Objectives: To compare the surgical and percutaneous approaches for paravalvular regurgitation repair regarding clinical outcomes during hospitalization and one year after the procedure. Methods: This is a retrospective, descriptive and observational study that included 35 patients with paravalvular leak, requiring repair, and followed up at the Dante Pazzanese Institute of Cardiology between January 2011 and December 2013. Patients were divided into groups according to the established treatment and followed up for 1 year after the procedure. Results: The group submitted to percutaneous treatment was considered to be at higher risk for complications because of the older age of patients, higher prevalence of diabetes, greater number of previous valve surgeries and lower mean creatinine clearance value. During hospitalization, both groups had a large number of complications (74.3% of cases), with no statistical difference in the analyzed outcomes. After 1 year, the percutaneous group had a greater number of re-interventions (8.7% vs 20%, p = 0.57) and a higher mortality rate (0% vs. 20%, p = 0.08). A high incidence of residual mitral leak was observed after the percutaneous procedure (8.7% vs. 50%, p = 0.08). Conclusion: Surgery is the treatment of choice for paravalvular regurgitation. The percutaneous approach can be an alternative for patients at high surgical risk.

Resumo Fundamento: Regurgitação ou escape paravalvar é uma complicação grave e incomum associada ao implante de prótese valvar. Estudos mostram incidência de 3% a 6% com repercussão hemodinâmica. Existem poucos estudos na literatura que comparam as abordagens cirúrgica e percutânea para sua correção. Objetivos: Comparar as abordagens cirúrgica e percutânea de correção da regurgitação paravalvar quanto a desfechos clínicos durante a internação e após 1 ano do procedimento. Métodos: Este é um estudo retrospectivo, descritivo e observacional, que incluiu 35 pacientes com escape paravalvar acompanhados no Instituto Dante Pazzanese de Cardiologia entre janeiro de 2011 e dezembro de 2013 e que necessitaram de correção. Os pacientes foram divididos de acordo com o tratamento estabelecido e acompanhados por um período 1 ano após o procedimento. Resultados: O grupo submetido ao tratamento percutâneo foi considerado como de maior risco para complicações por apresentar pacientes mais idosos, com maior prevalência de diabetes, maior quantidade de cirurgias valvares prévias e menor valor médio de clearance de creatinina. Durante a evolução intra-hospitalar, observou-se grande número de complicações nos dois grupos (74,3% dos casos), sem diferença estatística nos desfechos analisados. Após 1 ano, o grupo percutâneo teve maior número de reintervenções (8,7% vs. 20%, p = 0,57) e mortalidade maior (0% vs. 20%, p = 0,08). Uma alta incidência de escape residual mitral foi verificada após procedimento percutâneo (8,7% vs. 50%, p = 0,08). Conclusão: A cirurgia é o tratamento de escolha da regurgitação paravalvar. A abordagem percutânea pode ser uma alternativa para os pacientes com risco cirúrgico elevado.

Impacto da Etiologia sobre a Função Atrial Esquerda em Pacientescom Refluxo Mitral Importante / Impact of Etiology on the Left Atrial Function in Patients with Severe Mitral Regurgitation

A adaptação à sobrecarga crônica de volume na insuficiência mitral (IM) tende a aumentar o átrioesquerdo (AE), predispondo a disfunção atrial e arritmias. Embora as dimensões do AE tragam importante informação prognóstica, a função contrátil atrial não tem sido estudada consistentemente na IM. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a função atrial em pacientes com IM por cardiopatia reumática (CR) eprolapso valvar mitral (PVM). Métodos: Foram estudados 54 pacientes com IM importante, com área do orifício regorgitante efetivo (ERO) ≥ 0,40 cm2,sendo 23 com CR e 31 com PVM, em ritmo sinusal, com fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo (VE) > 60%. Foram medidos diâmetros e massa do VE, volumes do VE e AE (máximo, mínimo e pré-A), fração de esvaziamento total (FEsv.TAE), passiva (FEsv.P AE) e ativa (FEsv.A AE) do AE, para avaliar função. Medidas de Doppler transmitral e tecidual foram obtidas. Resultados: Comparados ao PVM, pacientes com CR eram mais jovens (35 ± 11 versus 55 ± 13 anos; p < 0,05) e do sexo feminino (17 versus 7 mulheres; p < 0,05); o índice de massa do VE foi maior no grupo PVM. O volume atrial máximo foiigual para os grupos, com maior volume mínimo (56,9 ± 30 versus 41,6 ± 17 mL; p = 0,02) e consequentemente menor FEsv.A AE (0,41 ± 0,11 versus 0,47 ± 0,07; p = 0,03) e FEsv.A AE (0,20 ± 0,08 versus 0,27 ± 0,07; p < 0,001) para o grupo CR. Conclusão: Embora mais jovens, pacientes com IM de etiologia reumática apresentam maior comprometimento da função atrial comparados a pacientes com PVM, possivelmente refletindo o acometimento do miocárdio atrial peladoença...

Adaptation to chronic volume overload in patients with mitral insufficiency (MI) tends to increase left atrium (LA), leading to LA dysfunction and arrhythmias. Though LA dimension is a well-known cardiovascular risk predictor, LA contractile function has not been thoroughly assessed in patients with MI of distinct etiologies. Objective: We aimed to assess LA structure and function in patients with MI due to rheumatic heart disease (RHD) and mitral valve prolapse (MVP). Methods: We assessed 54 patients with severe MI, defined by an effective regurgitant orifice (ERO) ≥ 0.40 cm2, 23 with RHD and 31 with MVP, all in sinus rhythm and with left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction > 60%. We measured LV diameters and mass, and also volumes (Simpson) to assess function, including maximal, minimal and pre-atrial contraction volumes, and total (TLAEF), passive (PLAEF) and active (ALAEF) LAemptying fraction. Transmitral and tissue Doppler measurements were obtained. Results: Compared to MVP, patients with RHD were younger (35 ± 11 versus 55 ± 13 years) and mainly female (17 versus 7 female; p < 0.05);LV mass index was higher for MVP patients. Although LA maximal volume was similar for both groups, patients with RHD had higher minimal LA volumes (56.9 ± 30 versus 41.6 ± 17 ml; p = 0.02), resulting in lower TLAEF (0.41 ± 0.11versus 0.47 ± 0.07; p = 0.03) and ALAEF (0.20 ± 0.08versus 0.27 ± 0.07; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Although younger, patients with MI due to RHD present with more severe LA dysfunction compared to MVP, possibly reflecting direct atrial impairment from rheumatic heart disease...

Reparación de una perforación valvular mitral como secuela de endocarditis, aporte de la ecocardiografía tridimensional / Mitral leaflet perforation repair after healed endocarditis, advantage of three-diminesional echocardiography

Resumen Reportamos un caso de reparación de perforación valvular mitral en un joven de 18 años que consulta por disnea de esfuerzos y con el antecedente remoto de una artritis séptica de rodilla tratada. En el examen físico se encontró un soplo holosistólico 4/6 en el foco mitral. Se realizó un ecocardiograma transtorácico (ETT) que objetivó una insuficiencia mitral severa, con un jet de recorrido muy excéntrico originado desde anterior, sospechando una perforación del velo anterior, sin lograr caracterizarla por dicha técnica. Se complementó el estudio con un ecocardiograma transesofágico (ETE) en una plataforma EPIQ 7 cv (PHILIPS), que identificó en el cuerpo del segmento 2 del velo anterior mitral (A2) una posible perforación. El análisis de la válvula mediante ETE tridimensional (3D), confirmó una perforación circular de bordes netos, de dimensiones máximas 6x6 mm, localizada en el cuerpo de A2. El análisis 3D aportó valiosa información para programar la reparación valvular, la cual se efectuó mediante un parche de pericardio autólo-go fresco (sin fijación en glutaraldehido) y una anu-loplastía con un anillo rígido, con óptimo resultado y sin complicaciones.

An 18 year-old man presented with shortness of breath and a remote history of a septic arthritis of the knee. Physical examination revealed a holosystolic mitral valve murmur. Transthoracic echocardiography showed a severe mitral regurgitation originating from de anterior mitral valve leaflet, but the exact mechanism was unclear. Transesophageal echocardiography (EPIQ 7v, Philips) suggested a perforation of the medial scallop of the anterior mitral valve leaflet (A2). 3-D trans esophageal echocardiography confirmed a 6x6 mm perforation at the A2 sector of the anterior leaflet. 3-D echo was also very helpful in guiding the surgical repair of this lesion, using a pericardial patch and rigid mitral valve ring.

Factors associated with moderate or severe left atrioventricular valve regurgitation within 30 days of repair of complete atrioventricular septal defect / Fatores associados à insuficiência da valva atrioventricular esquerda nos primeiros 30 dias após correção de defeito de septo atrioventricular total

AbstractIntroduction:Left atrioventricular valve regurgitation is the most concerning residual lesion after surgical correction of atrioventricular septal defects.Objective:To determine factors associated with moderate or severe left atrioventricular valve regurgitation within 30 days of surgical repair of complete atrioventricular septal defect.Methods:We assessed the results of 53 consecutive patients 3 years-old and younger presenting with complete atrioventricular septal defect that were operated on at our practice between 2002 and 2010. The following variables were considered: age, weight, absence of Down syndrome, grade of preoperative atrioventricular valve regurgitation, abnormalities on the left atrioventricular valve and the use of annuloplasty. Median age was 6.7 months; median weight was 5.3 Kg; 86.8% had Down syndrome. At the time of preoperative evaluation, there were 26 cases with moderate or severe left atrioventricular valve regurgitation (49.1%). Abnormalities on the left atrioventricular valve were found in 11.3%; annuloplasty was performed in 34% of the patients.Results:At the time of postoperative evaluation, there were 21 cases with moderate or severe left atrioventricular valve regurgitation (39.6%). After performing a multivariate analysis, the only significant factor associated with moderate or severe left atrioventricular valve regurgitation was the absence of Down syndrome (P=0.03).Conclusion:Absence of Down syndrome was associated with moderate or severe postoperative left atrioventricular valve regurgitation after surgical repair of complete atrioventricular septal defect at our practice.

ResumoIntrodução:A insuficiência da valva atrioventricular esquerda é a lesão residual mais preocupante após o tratamento cirúrgico do defeito de septo atrioventricular.Objetivo:Determinar fatores associados à insuficiência da valva atrioventricular esquerda de grau moderado ou importante nos primeiros 30 dias após correção de defeito de defeito de septo atrioventricular total.Métodos:Avaliamos os resultados em 53 pacientes consecutivos menores de 3 anos com defeito de septo atrioventricular total, operados em nosso serviço entre 2002 e 2010. Avaliamos as seguintes variáveis: idade, peso, ausência de síndrome de Down, grau de insuficiência da valva atrioventricular esquerda antes da correção, anormalidades na valva atrioventricular e uso de anuloplastia. A mediana da idade foi de 6,7 meses e a do peso de 5,3 Kg; 86,8% tinham síndrome de Down. Antes da operação, 26 apresentavam insuficiência da valva atrioventricular esquerda pelo menos moderada (49,1%). Anormalidades na valva atroventricular foram encontradas em 11,3% dos casos; anuloplastia foi realizada em 34% dos pacientes.Resultados:Após a correção, houve 21 casos com insuficiência moderada ou grave da valva atrioventricular esquerda (39,6%). Após realização de análise multivariada, o único fator associado com esses graus de insuficiência foi a ausência da síndrome de Down (P=0,03).Conclusão:Ausência de síndrome de Down esteve associada com insuficiência moderada ou grave da valva atrioventricular esquerda após correção cirúrgica de defeito de septo atrioventricular total em nosso serviço.

Factors associated with moderate or severe left atrioventricular valve regurgitation within 30 days of repair of incomplete atrioventricular septal defect / Fatores associados à insuficiência moderada ou grave da valva atrioventricular esquerda nos primeiros 30 dias de correção de defeito de septo atrioventricular incompleto

Abstract Introduction: Left atrioventricular valve regurgitation is the most concerning residual lesion after surgical correction of atrioventricular septal defect. Objective: To determine factors associated with moderate or greater left atrioventricular valve regurgitation within 30 days of surgical repair of incomplete atrioventricular septal defect. Methods: We assessed the results of 51 consecutive patients 14 years-old and younger presenting with incomplete atrioventricular septal defect that were operated on at our practice between 2002 and 2010. The following variables were considered: age, weight, absence of Down syndrome, grade of preoperative left atrioventricular valve regurgitation, abnormalities on the left atrioventricular valve and the use of annuloplasty. The median age was 4.1 years; the median weight was 13.4 Kg; 37.2% had Down syndrome. At the time of preoperative evaluation, there were 23 cases with moderate or greater left atrioventricular valve regurgitation (45.1%). Abnormalities on the left atrioventricular valve were found in 17.6%; annuloplasty was performed in 21.6%. Results: At the time of postoperative evaluation, there were 12 cases with moderate or greater left atrioventricular valve regurgitation (23.5%). The variation between pre- and postoperative grades of left atrioventricular valve regurgitation of patients with atrioventricular valve malformation did not reach significance (P=0.26), unlike patients without such abnormalities (P=0.016). During univariate analysis, only absence of Down syndrome was statistically significant (P=0.02). However, after a multivariate analysis, none of the factors reached significance. Conclusion: None of the factors studied was determinant of a moderate or greater left atrioventricular valve regurgitation within the first 30 days of repair of incomplete atrioventricular septal defect in the sample. Patients without abnormalities on the left atrioventricular valve benefit ...

Resumo Introdução: A insuficiência da valva atrioventricular esquerda é a lesão residual mais preocupante após o tratamento cirúrgico do defeito de septo atrioventricular. Objetivo: Determinar fatores associados à insuficiência da valva atrioventricular esquerda de grau moderado ou importante nos primeiros 30 dias após correção de defeito de defeito de septo atrioventricular. Métodos: Avaliamos os resultados em 51 pacientes consecutivos menores de 14 anos com defeito de septo atrioventricular incompleto, operados em nosso serviço entre 2002 e 2010. Avaliamos as seguintes variáveis: idade, peso, ausência de síndrome de Down, grau de insuficiência da valva atrioventricular esquerda antes da correção, anormalidades na valva atrioventricular e uso de anuloplastia. A mediana da idade foi de 4,1 anos e a do peso de 13,4 Kg; 37,2% tinham síndrome de Down; antes da operação, 23 apresentavam insuficiência da valva atrioventricular esquerda pelo menos moderada (45,1%); anormalidades na valva atrioventricular foram encontradas em 17,6% dos casos; anuloplastia foi realizada em 21,6% dos pacientes. Resultados: Após a correção cirúrgica, 12 casos apresentaram insuficiência da valva atrioventricular esquerda pelo menos moderada (23,5%). A variância entre os graus de insuficiência da valva atrioventricular esquerda pré e pós-operatória nos pacientes com anormalidades na valva atrioventricular não teve significância estatística (P=0,26), ao contrário daqueles sem tais anormalidades (P=0,016). Pela análise univariada, apenas a ausência de síndrome de Down teve significância estatística (P=0,02). Porém, após análise multivariada, nenhum dos fatores teve significância. Conclusão: Nenhum dos fatores estudados foi determinante de insuficiência da valva atrioventricular esquerda de grau moderado ou importante nos primeiros 30 dias após a correção de defeito de septo atrioventricular incompleto na população avaliada. Pacientes sem anormalidades na valva atrioventricular ...

Insuficiencia mitral causada por cuerpo extraño / Foreing body mitral valve insufficiency

Introducción: Hombre de 21 años con antecedentes de una valvuloplastía aórtica transventricular a los 3 meses de edad y de una aortoventriculoplastía anterior (operación de Konno-Rastan) con reemplazo valvular aórtico con prótesis de St Jude número 17, a los 10 meses de edad. En el año 2006, a los 16 años, fue re-operado por una estenosis subvalvular aórtica, efectuándose una ampliación del Konno con pericardio bovino y un reemplazo de la prótesis aórtica St Jude 17 por una número 23. Asintomático hasta 3 meses previo a su ingreso en que inicia disnea progresiva. Se efectuó en esta oportunidad un ecocardiograma transesofágico el que demostró una regurgitación periprostética aórtica severa y la presencia de un catéter que entraba a la aurícula izquierda a través de la vena pulmonar superior derecha, dirigiéndose a la válvula mitral (Fig 1-A, flechas). El velo mitral anterior y el aparato subvalvular mitral estaban retraídos alrededor del catéter, lo que originaba una insuficiencia mitral moderada (Fig 1-B, flechas).Al momento de la cirugía se confirmaron los hallazgos ecocardiográficos, encontrándose este catéter completamente adherido al velo mitral anterior, cuerdas tendíneas y músculo papilar, como se puede observar en la pieza quirúrgica (Fig 1-C y D, flechas). En esta cuarta operación se reconstruyó el Konno con Dacron y se reemplazó la válvula mitral con una prótesis de St Jude número 27. En su último control el paciente estaba asintomático.

A 21 year-old man presented with a 3-month history of progressive dyspnea . He had undergone transventricular aortic valvuloplasty at age 3 months and at age 10 months a Konno operation with implantation of a 17- St Jude prosthesis. In 2006, at age 16 years-old, he was reoperated due to subvalvular stenosis. A Konno amplification with bovine pericardiumwas was performed and the 17-St Jude valve replaced by a size 23 valve. Transesophagueal ecocardiography showed severe peri-prosthetic aortic regurgitation and a catheter entering the left atrium through the right superior pulmonary vein toward the mitral valve (Fig 1-A, arrows). The anterior leaflet and the subvalvular apparatus were retracted around the catheter, causing moderate mitral regurgitation (Fig 1-B, arrow). At surgery, echocardiography findings were confirmed, the catheter being completely adhered to the anterior leaflet, chordae tendinae and papillary muscle, as can be seen in the surgical specimen (Fig 1-C and D, arrows). The Konno was reconstructed with Dacron and the mitral valve replaced with a 27-St Jude prosthesis. At last follow-up, the patient was asymptomatic.

Veinte años de cirugía reparadora de la válvula mitral / Twenty years of mitral valve repair. An experience in 322 patients

Background: Mitral valve repair is the preferred procedure for the surgical treatment of mitral valve insufficiency (MI), procedure that we initiated 20 years ago. Aim: To assess our experience and long-term results of mitral valve repair. Patients and Methods: The database of the cardiology department was reviewed for the period between December 1991 and December 2012. A total of 322 patients aged 18 to 89 years (62% males) undergoing mitral valve repair were identified. Long-term survival information was obtained consulting death certificate records of the Chilean Identification Service. The latest echocardiogram available was analyzed. Results: MI was degenerative in 144 patients (45%) and ischemic in 104 (32%). A prosthetic ring was used in all ischemic and in 92% of non-ischemic MI. Operative mortality was 7.5%, 13% in ischemic and 4.4% in non-ischemic MI (p < 0.01). Overall long-term survival was 14.1 years; 9.3 and 16 years for ischemic and non-ischemic MI, respectively (p < 0.001). Survival at 5, 10, 15 and 20 years was 79, 63, 54 and 42%, respectively. For degenerative MI survival at 5 and 10 years was 90 and 76% and for ischemic MI, it was 64 and 44%, respectively (p < 0.001). On a multivariate analysis the main predictors of late mortality were age, associated valvular disease and ischemic etiology. Echocardiographic follow-up was available for 223 patients; MI was absent in 53% and was mild in 29%. Conclusions: In a 20 years follow-up, mitral valve repair for MI had excellent long-term survival and echocardiographic results. The most common etiologies of MI were degenerative and ischemic diseases. The latter had a worst prognosis. The main predictors of long term mortality were age, associated valvular disease and ischemic etiology.

Left atrial myxoma, ruptured chordae tendinae causing mitral regurgitation and coronary artery disease.

Mitral regurgitation is uncommon with left atrial myxoma. The echocardiographic assessment of presence of mitral regurgitation and its severity are impaired by the presence of left atrial myxoma. We describe an uncommon association of left atrial myxoma with coronary artery disease and mitral regurgitation. MR was reported as mild on pre‑operative transthoracic echocardiography but found to be severe due to ruptured chordae tendinae during intra‑operative transesophageal echocardiography, which lead to change in the surgical plan to mitral valve replacement in addition to excision of myxoma.

Echocardiographic quantification of mitral valvular response to myocardial revascularization.

Aims and Objectives: Mild and/or moderate ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) may resolve after isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). It has been shown that the loss of saddle shape of the mitral valve is associated with IMR and is determined by an increase in the nonplanarity angle (NPA). The aim of this prospective, observational study was to test the hypothesis that NPA might decrease immediately after CABG alone in patients with mild to moderate IMR. Materials and Methods: This prospective, observational study was conducted in an academic, tertiary care hospital. Twenty patients underwent 2D and 3D transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and mitral valve assessment before and immediately after the CABG. NPA, circularity index, and other geometric variables were obtained. They were compared using paired t test. The SPSS (Version 15.0, Chicago, IL, USA) was used for statistical analysis. P <0.05 was considered significant. Results: The NPA was similar in the pre- and post-bypass periods (148° ± 15°, 148° ± 19°, P = 0.88). Circularity index (0.93 ± 0.13, 0.97 ± 0.11, P = 0.41) also was similar. Conclusions: There was no change in the mitral valve NPA with revascularization alone in patients with mild or moderate IMR. Mitral valve does not change its planarity (NPA) with revascularization alone in patients with IMR.