Left atrial dissection after mitral valve replacement can mimic periprosthetic regurgitation

Left atrial dissection is defined as a gap from the mitral or tricuspid annular area into the interatrial septum. It is most commonly occurs as a complication of mitral valve surgery. Herein, a patient is described who developed a left atrial dissection subsequent to multiple mitral valve procedures. The clinical presentation and surgical therapy for this condition is described with the aid of intraoperative photographic images. A brief discussion of this rare condition is also included, and the principles of surgical repair are elucidated.