ABSTRACT
Pannus formation is a known complication of valve replacement surgery. However, few cases describe pannus formation in the mitral position, and they are mostly associated with prosthetic valves rather than only annuloplasty. We describe the case of a 62-year-old woman who first underwent reductive annuloplasty using a Carpentier-Edwards 28 mm ring prosthesis in 2009 that performed well on regular follow-up for 5 years. In 2014, the patient presented with significant weight gain, shortness of breath (New York Heart Association functional class III) and signs of severe mitral stenosis. Echocardiography demonstrated the formation of a pannus and increased pressure gradients. Removal of the ring prosthesis and pannus-like fibrotic tissue was performed. The native valve was left in place as it had supple leaflets and performed well once properly debrided. The patient remained well throughout a 24-month follow-up.
ABSTRACT
The mitral-aortic intervalvular fibrosa is an avascular fibrous structure connecting the mitral and aortic annuli that is prone to pseudoaneurysm formation. Pseudoaneurysm of the mitral-aortic intervalvular fibrosa is a known complication of many conditions such as infective endocarditis and valvular surgery. It requires surgical correction. Its long-term consequences are little known. We present in this report the case of a 62-year-old male with history of pseudoaneurysm of the mitral-aortic intervalvular fibrosa repair and redo mitral and aortic prosthetic valve replacements. After five years of asymptomatic follow-up, the patient presented with sudden-onset heart failure. Echocardiographic investigation demonstrated two aorto-atrial fistulae at the site of his previous repair and adequate function of both prosthetic valves. The fistulae were repaired and the prosthetic valves were left in place. This represents a potential late surgical complication of pseudoaneurysm of the mitral-aortic intervalvular fibrosa.
