Dysfunction of a bileaflet mechanical valve in mitral position: absence of symptoms despite a completely fixed leaflet

Int J Cardiol. 2009 Jun 26;135(2):e60-1. doi: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2008.04.017. Epub 2008 Jul 24.

Abstract

We report the case of 62 year-old asymptomatic woman with a bileaflet mechanical prosthesis implanted 1 year ago. Routine transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) showed that one leaflet was fixed in semi-closed position, which was confirmed by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and cinefluoroscopy. The paradoxical absence of symptoms despite a complete restriction of one leaflet may be due to the fact that this patient had a very small body surface area and received a prosthesis with an excellent hemodynamic performance. The presence of a large compliant left atrial chamber may have also contributed to limit the effects of valve dysfunction on the pulmonary circulation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Letter

MeSH terms

  • Coronary Thrombosis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Coronary Thrombosis / etiology*
  • Echocardiography
  • Female
  • Heart Valve Prosthesis / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Mitral Valve Prolapse / surgery*
  • Prosthesis Failure*