RESUMEN
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of aortic valve replacement [AVR] on left ventricular function in patients with chronic rheumatic aortic regurge [AR]. This prospective selected study was conducted in the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Mansoura University Hospitals from January 2005 to March 2007 including follow up period. The study involved 50 patients with chronic rheumatic AR for whom AVR was done. Group I [N = 25 patients] with FF > gt 50%. Group II [N= 25 patients] with EF 50% at the time of surgical intervention. So early surgery is recommended in these patients to provide faster and more significant recovery of the myocardial pump performance. Also, it is associated with shorter hospital and ICU stay and lower incidence of morbidity and mortality