A case of percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty for severe symptomatic mitral stenosis in an octogenarian

Compared with mitral valve replacement as treatment for severe mitral stenosis, balloon mitral valvuloplasty (BMV) is a less invasive and well-established alternative therapeutic procedure. The best results are obtained with BMV in association with pliable, non-calcified valves. However, in the western world, mitral stenosis is predominantly a condition of the elderly, in whom less favourable valve anatomy is generally found. In this report we describe the case of an 86-year-old woman with severe symptomatic mitral stenosis and breathlessness on minimal exertion who underwent successful BMV. Following the procedure she was able to function independently. This serves to highlight the fact that BMV should be considered in the treatment of symptomatic mitral stenosis, irrespective of age.