Congenital aortic stenosis: ten to 22 years after valvulotomy

Between 1956 and 1967, 34 patients, aged 2 months to 40 years, underwent aortic valvulotomy under hypothermia for congenital aortic stenosis. There were two early and five late deaths. Twenty-seven patients were followed up for a mean of 15 years. Thirteen patients had no subsequent operation: 11 are asymptomatic, seven with mild aortic insufficiency. Ten patients have had aortic valve replacement (AVR), one revalvulotomy, three will require AVR. Three late deaths were sudden. The literature has been reviewed for data on mortality, endocarditis, aortic insufficiency, and reoperation. Operation improves longevity, but does not restore it to normal. Aortic valve replacement in children carries a poor prognosis, possibly reflecting severity of disease. The chances of reoperation after ten years are 20% to 40%. Valvulotomy must, therefore, be regarded as the first in a possibly lifelong series of operations.