Treatment of severe mitral regurgitation that mimics a para-ring mitral regurgitation after failed annuloplasty ring with MitraClip: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Progressive remodelling of the left ventricle with lateral and apical displacement of one or both papillary muscles can lead to recurrence of severe mitral regurgitation (MR) in the presence of the mitral valve (MV) ring. The MitraClip (Abbott, USA) is the only option in cases with annuloplasty rings too large for implantation of a Sapien prosthesis in high surgical-risk patients. We present a case where the MR jet was directed toward a para-ring hole, and the MitraClip system was used successfully to treat this severe MR. CASE SUMMARY: An 80-year-old woman underwent coronary artery bypass surgery plus MV repair with C-shaped ring 6 years ago. In the past year, she experienced severe shortness of breath; her ejection fraction dropped to 15%. A transesophageal echocardiogram revealed that severe MR started at the level of MV leaflets and then passed to the left atrium beside the MV ring. Live 3D showed the severe MR coming through the oval-shaped hole beside the C-shaped MV repair ring. MitraClip implantation was decided, the two leaflets were grasped successfully, the clip was fully closed, and only trace MR remained at the MV leaflets with no flow to the para-ring hole. The patient was extubated after 12 hours and discharged home after 2 days. Follow-up transthoracic echocardiography after 6 months showed the clip in place and trace residual MR. CONCLUSION: Implantation of MitraClip in the presence of MV repair ring is feasible and safe. The para-ring defect can be left if the origin of MR from the MV coaptation line is treated successfully with MitraClip. Symptomatic improvement with no rehospitalization was documented in this case.

Ultraslow thrombolytic therapy in stuck mechanical aortic valve, case report, and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Stuck mechanical heart valves had a debate about the management plan. There is debate regarding the type, dose, and rate of administration of various thrombolytic agents. We report a case with successful thrombolysis using an ultraslow regimen. CASE SUMMARY: A 43-year-old female with a history of aortic valve (AV) and mitral valve replacement (bi-leaflet metallic valves), and tricuspid valve repair (MINI band) at October 2017. Physical examination showed normal metallic first heart sound and weak metallic second heart sound. Laboratory investigations were normal except low INR, hematocrit, and hemoglobin level (9 gm/L due to iron deficiency anemia). Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) and Transoesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) confirmed stuck aortic valve leaflet, with a high mean pressure gradient across prosthetic AV (34 mmHg). The mechanical mitral valve was working well. Fluoroscopy showed stuck one of the AV leaflets in a closed position. The treating physician decided to give her the chance for thrombolytic therapy. This case was treated with ultraslow thrombolytic therapy (Alteplase, 1 mg, every hour) with follow up transthoracic echocardiogram every 24 h to check the pressure gradient on the AV. She was young, asymptomatic, and hemodynamically stable. After 48 h of Alteplase, the stuck leaflet was released. The mean pressure gradient dropped to 16 mmHg. DISCUSSION: Ultraslow thrombolytic regimen advised to be tried in stuck mechanical valves and hemodynamically stable patients.

Percutaneous closure of iatrogenic anterior mitral leaflet perforation: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Severe mitral regurgitation (MR) through the body of the anterior mitral leaflet (AML) is rare. The cause either iatrogenic during open-heart surgery or due to infective endocarditis. We present a case where a successful percutaneous closure of the AML perforation was an alternative to surgery. CASE SUMMARY: A 60-year-old male presented with shortness of breath (SOB) class III of 12 months duration. He underwent coronary artery bypass surgery with four grafts plus mitral valve (MV) repair 20 months ago. Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) and transoesophageal echocardiogram (TOE) revealed severe MR through the body of AML at A3. The percutaneous closure plan was to cross the AML perforation from the left ventricular side. The venacontracta of the perforation was 6 mm, an amplatzer septal occluder device 6 mm considered appropriate for closure of this hole. A snare catheter snared the wire and exteriorized creating arteriovenous loop. Amplatzer septal occluder 6 mm loaded to the delivery system till larger disc (left-sided) opened safely and freely below the MV apparatus. Once the left ventricular side disc opposed the ventricular surface of AML, the waist and left atrial disc gently released. The patient discharged in the next day. After 6 months, the patient had no more SOB, he returned to his daily activity. Follow-up TTE showed no MR, the closure device was stable in place. DISCUSSION: We added a successful case of transcatheter AML perforation to the literature. The role of TOE is crucial in diagnosis and procedure guidance.