Mitral Valve Aneurysm With Severe Mitral Regurgitation and Pseudoaneurysm Formation: A Rare Complication of Infective

Kesar Prajapati1, Fnu Samaksh1, Poornima Jaiswal Charpuria1

  • 1Internal Medicine, New York Medical College, Metropolitan Hospital Center, New York, USA.

Cureus
|May 19, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Infective endocarditis (IE) can lead to mitral valve aneurysm (MVA), a dangerous complication. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital for preventing severe outcomes like heart failure and stroke.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Cardiac Surgery

Background:

  • Infective endocarditis (IE) is a serious infection of the heart's inner lining, frequently affecting heart valves.
  • Mitral valve aneurysm (MVA) is a rare but severe complication of IE, potentially causing mitral regurgitation and heart failure.

Observation:

  • A 34-year-old female presented with prolonged fever, dyspnea, and heart failure symptoms, indicative of delayed IE diagnosis.
  • Echocardiography revealed severe mitral regurgitation, mitral valve leaflet perforation, and a pseudoaneurysm, suggesting MVA.

Findings:

  • The patient experienced refractory heart failure and electrical storm due to the advanced stage of IE and MVA.
  • Despite the critical condition, the patient's outcome was fatal before surgical intervention could be performed.

Implications:

  • This case emphasizes the critical need for prompt recognition and management of infective endocarditis and mitral valve aneurysm.
  • Early diagnosis and timely intervention, potentially including mitral valve replacement, are essential for improving patient prognosis and preventing fatal complications.