Prognosis of aortic valve disease following mitral valve surgery

Introduction
Little is known about the course of aortic valve disease in patients undergoing mitral valve surgery for rheumatic mitral valve disease. In addition, there are no guidelines regarding the appropriate treatment of mild aortic valve disease while replacing the mitral valve.

Aim
To evaluate the long-term outcome of aortic valve disease and the need for aortic valve surgery in patients with rheumatic mitral valve disease who underwent mitral valve surgery.

Material and methods
Twenty patients (6 male, 14 female; mean age: 23.4 years, range: 14–41) were followed after mitral valve surgery for a mean period of 14 years. All patients had rheumatic heart disease. Aortic valve function was assessed preoperatively by transthoracic echocardiography and during follow-up.

Results
At the time of mitral valve surgery, 11 (55%) patients had aortic valve disease with aortic regurgitation. Nine (45%) patients had no evidence of aortic valve disease. At second surgery, all patients had aortic valve disease (either pure regurgitation or with stenosis). Most had mild disease at the time of mitral valve surgery. Aortic valve replacement was needed after a mean period of 14.1 years (range: 3–26 years).

Conclusions
In patients with rheumatic heart disease, a noticeable number of patients have mild aortic valve disease at the time of mitral valve surgery. Only a few progress to severe disease, and aortic valve replacement is rarely needed after a long follow-up period.