[Surgical treatment of infective endocarditis complicated by aortic and/or mitral valvular perforation]

From February 1980 to July 1987, 27 patients with valvular bacterial endocarditis complicated by aortic and/or mitral valvular perforation and vegetation were operated upon. AVR was performed in 23 cases and double valve replacement was done in 4. There were 3 deaths after operation. Follow-up of 21 patients showed that heart function improved from class III-IV to class I-II. In discussion, the importance of echocardiography in detecting valvular perforation and vegetation and the need of early diagnosis and early surgical intervention are emphasized; especially in patients with intractable heart failure and deteriorating general condition.