Doppler echocardiographic analysis of the short-term results of surgical repair of mitral valve prolapse in myxomatous degeneration
De Gasperis, C.; Penta De Peppo, A.; Piccinino, C.; Di Bella, I.; Roesler, M.; Sarasso, G.
Giornale Italiano di Cardiologia 19(1): 35-39
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0046-5968 PMID: 2744312 Document Number: 341895
Ten consecutive patients with pure mitral regurgitation due to floppy valve underwent valve repair operations. Postoperative mitral continence or regurgitation and diastolic flow across the valve were evaluated by Doppler echocardiography. Mean follow-up was 6.4 months. Four patients showed minimal and 3 mild regurgitation; no regurgitation was detected in 3. A significant peak diastolic atrioventricular gradient (10 mmHg) was observed in only one patient. All patients showed symptomatic improvement and a decrease in ventricular diameters. Repair of floppy mitral valves is feasible and gives good results. Doppler echocardiography is a useful technique for monitoring postoperative valve function.