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Regression of multiple pulmonary varices after mitral valve replacement
The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery
|January 1, 1980
Summary
Pulmonary varices, enlarged pulmonary veins, can be linked to mitral insufficiency. Mitral valve replacement may lead to the regression of these venous dilatations, reducing rupture risk.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Radiology
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Pulmonary varices are rare vascular anomalies.
- Severe mitral insufficiency is a known risk factor for pulmonary venous hypertension.
Observation:
- A case study identified large, rounded opacities in the right hilus of a patient with severe mitral insufficiency.
- Pulmonary angiography confirmed these opacities as right pulmonary vein varicosities.
Findings:
- Pulmonary varices were successfully diagnosed using pulmonary angiography and direct contrast injection via a Brockenbrough catheter.
- One year post-mitral valve replacement, complete regression of the pulmonary varices was observed.
- Pulmonary varices are associated with heart disease in 40% of cases, with mitral insufficiency being the most common cardiac abnormality (27%).
Implications:
- Pulmonary varix is likely a complication of mitral insufficiency.
- Relief of mitral insufficiency through valve replacement may resolve pulmonary varices and decrease the risk of varix rupture.