Mitral Stenosis in Association with Aortic Valvular Disease

In a series of 47 consecutive patients with pure mitral stenosis in association with aortic valvular disease, 25 patients underwent closed mitral commissurotomy in addition to aortic valve replacement, whereas combined aortic and mitral valve replacement was performed in 22 patients. The pathology of the stenosed mitral valve and resultant left atrial stasis were more pronounced in the latter group. Valve replacements were performed under generalized hypothermia to 30°C and selective coronary artery perfusion. The advantages and disadvantages of commissurotomy in comparison with mitral valve replacement were evaluated. Commissurotomy with aortic valve replacement involved a markedly higher mortality rate, which was closely related to early and late complications from the closed mitral commissurotomy per se. The reduced risk of thrombo-embolism following preservation instead of replacement of the mitral valve hardly outweighs this excessive mortality. The late haemodynamic improvements, although slight, were definite and similar in the two groups of patients. Diminished pressure levels in the left atrium and pulmonary artery were observed both at rest and during exercise in all the 19 patients who underwent recatheterization. Three patients showed signs of slight mitral restenosis (or residual stenosis), while another required mitral valve replacement due to mitral restenosis with incompetence. Commissurotomy remains clearly indicated if the commissures split up completely and the valve leaflets, chordae tendineae and papillary muscles are in unquestionably good condition. Unfortunately, this type of mitral stenosis, particularly in association with aortic valvular disease, is seldom encountered in Sweden nowadays. Mitral valve replacement seems to be mandatory when surgery is performed for restenosis and if uncertainty exists about the immediate result of commissurotomy.