Austin flint murmur associated with a disc mitral valve prosthesis. A case report

A case is discussed in which the movements of a Björk-Shiley disc valve, inserted in the mitral position, were hampered by an aortic insufficiency. Probably because of the improved haemodynamics after mitral valve replacement, the aortic insufficiency became significant. The regurgitant jet prevented the disc from functioning normally, causing Austin Flint and systolic murmurs as well as a haemolytic anaemia. Echocardiography as a non-invasive examination helped correlate disc movements with opening and closure sounds.