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Published on: October 16, 2021
Left ventricular pseudoaneurysm after mitral valve replacement: Review of pseudoaneurysms late after mitral valve
Ekrem Şahan1, Suzan Şahan, Murat Karamanlıoğlu
1Atatürk Pulmonary Disease and Thorax Surgery Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey, ekremsahan@hotmail.com.
Abstract:
Left ventricular pseudoaneurysm (LVPA) due to incomplete or late rupture after mitral valve replacement is a rare condition but can be life threatening if it develops into perdicardial tamponade. LVPA may develop de novo after the surgical procedure or may be a sequela of an earlier rupture. Clinical presentation includes shortness of breath, heart failure, chest pain, endocarditis, and pericardial tamponade. However, it can also have an asymptomatic course. The recommended treatment for LVPA is surgical repair. Conservative follow-up is an alternative for patients who refuse surgical treatment or are considered high risk for re-operation. We conducted a review of all the available literature on cases of LVPA after mitral valve replacement and present the findings here.
Insights
Left ventricular pseudoaneurysm (LVPA) after mitral valve replacement is rare but life-threatening. Surgical repair is recommended, though conservative management is an option for high-risk patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Cardiac Surgery
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Left ventricular pseudoaneurysm (LVPA) is a rare complication following mitral valve replacement.
- It can result from incomplete or delayed rupture, potentially leading to life-threatening pericardial tamponade.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the available literature on left ventricular pseudoaneurysm after mitral valve replacement.
- To summarize clinical presentations, and treatment options for LVPA.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature review was conducted.
- All reported cases of LVPA post-mitral valve replacement were analyzed.
Main Results:
- LVPA presents with diverse symptoms including dyspnea, heart failure, chest pain, endocarditis, or pericardial tamponade, but can be asymptomatic.
- Surgical repair is the primary treatment recommendation.
Conclusions:
- Left ventricular pseudoaneurysm is a serious, albeit rare, complication of mitral valve replacement.
- Management involves surgical repair, with conservative follow-up as a secondary option for select patients.
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