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Rheumatic mitral valve disease: current surgical status
Mustafa Zakkar1, Emre Amirak, K M John Chan
1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Hammersmith Hospital, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, United Kingdom.
Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases
|May 5, 2009
Summary
Rheumatic heart disease, a serious complication of rheumatic fever, affects about 30% of patients. It can cause heart valve issues and heart failure, remaining a significant global health concern.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Rheumatology
- Public Health
Background:
- Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a major long-term complication of rheumatic fever (RF).
- Approximately 30% of RF patients develop RHD, which can manifest as pancarditis, valve disease, heart failure, and pericarditis.
- While less prevalent in developed nations, RHD remains a significant global health issue.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the pathophysiology and clinical impact of rheumatic heart disease.
- To highlight the common valve involvements, particularly mitral valve disease.
- To briefly discuss management options, including surgical interventions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of rheumatic heart disease and rheumatic fever.
- Analysis of clinical sequelae and epidemiological data.
- Overview of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
Main Results:
- Rheumatic heart disease is the most severe sequela of rheumatic fever.
- Mitral valve involvement commonly leads to regurgitation and/or stenosis.
- Heart failure and pericarditis are potential complications.
Conclusions:
- Rheumatic heart disease necessitates ongoing global health attention.
- Management strategies include medical therapy and surgical interventions like valve replacement or repair.
- Early diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic fever are crucial to prevent RHD.
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