Percutaneous mitral valvulotomy in non-optimal candidates

From 1987 to 1990, 215 patients aged 53 +/- 13 years underwent percutaneous mitral valvulotomy in our institution. Mean gradient dropped on average from 13 +/- 4 to 5 +/- 2 mmHg and mitral valve area increased from 1.0 +/- 0.26 to 1.97 +/- 0.5 cm2 at the end of the procedure. Good results, defined as mitral valve area greater than or equal to 1.5 cm2 and mitral regurgitation less than or equal to 2+ at the end of the procedure, were obtained in 78% of the cases. In 41 patients with a poor anatomical form of mitral stenosis, mean gradient decreased from 12 +/- 3 to 6 +/- 6 mmHg and mitral valve area increased from 1.0 +/- 0.3 to 1.7 +/- 0.5 cm2. Good results were obtained in only 50% of the patients. One third of the 3+ mitral regurgitation occurred in this subgroup of patients. In patients with prior surgical commissurotomy, in elderly people and in patients with associated valvulopathy or prosthetic aortic valve, the success rate was similarly low. A significant inverse relationship was found between X-ray and echo scores on the one hand and mitral valve area at the end of the procedure on the other, thus confirming that the results of percutaneous mitral valvulotomy are related to the anatomical form of mitral stenosis. However, patients with poor anatomical forms can undergo the procedure with an acceptable risk compared to benefit ratio.