Disc variance: a potentially lethal complication of the Beall valve prosthesis

During 1975, 4 patients with erosion of the disc in Beall valve prostheses were seen. In one case the eroded disc was found loose in the distal aorta at postmortem examination. In 3 other cases, clinical diagnoses were made and successful reoperations performed. Because disc variance represents a potentially lethal complication, patients with disc prostheses should be examined at frequent intervals. When signs and symptoms of mechanical malfunction develop, the valve prosthesis should be replaced immediately to prevent death.