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Published on: May 19, 2020
A Case Report on Papillary Muscle Rupture Following Mitral Valve Replacement in the Setting of Previously Undiagnosed
Nadim Choudhury1, Ronny Munoz Acuna1, Omar Chaudhary1
1From the Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine.
Abstract:
This case describes a patient who underwent mitral valve replacement (MVR) surgery with preservation of the subvalvular apparatus who suffered anterolateral papillary muscle rupture (PMR) postseparation from cardiopulmonary bypass. This patient had no history of coronary artery disease (CAD); subsequent pathology of the papillary muscle showed evidence of amyloid deposition. Although most PMRs are caused by ischemia from CAD, cardiac amyloidosis must be considered in the absence of CAD and worked up appropriately as cardiac involvement of amyloidosis, especially the amyloid light-chain (AL) subtype, is prognostic of increased mortality that can be mitigated with therapy.
Insights
Papillary muscle rupture (PMR) after mitral valve replacement (MVR) can occur without coronary artery disease (CAD). Cardiac amyloidosis, particularly AL-type, is a key cause, impacting mortality and requiring specific therapy.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiac Surgery
- Pathology
Background:
- Mitral valve replacement (MVR) is a common cardiac surgery.
- Preservation of the subvalvular apparatus is a surgical technique.
- Papillary muscle rupture (PMR) is a rare but serious complication.
Observation:
- A patient developed anterolateral PMR post-MVR despite no history of coronary artery disease (CAD).
- Pathology revealed amyloid deposition in the ruptured papillary muscle.
- Cardiac amyloidosis, especially amyloid light-chain (AL) subtype, can affect heart function.
Findings:
- Amyloid deposition, not CAD-related ischemia, was the cause of PMR in this case.
- Cardiac amyloidosis is an underrecognized cause of PMR in MVR patients without CAD.
- AL-type amyloidosis significantly increases mortality risk.
Implications:
- Consider cardiac amyloidosis in MVR patients with PMR and no CAD history.
- Early diagnosis and therapy for cardiac amyloidosis can mitigate mortality.
- This case highlights the importance of comprehensive pathology in unexplained cardiac complications.
Related Concept Videos
Mitral Valve Prolapse I: Introduction
Mitral Valve Prolapse II: Assessment and Management
Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction
Mitral Regurgitation I: Introduction
Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests
Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy

