A fenestrated aortic valve contributing to iatrogenic aortic insufficiency post mitral valve replacement

Aortic valve fenestrations: a review

Background:

Aortic valve fenestrations (AVFs) seem to be relatively common; however, their impact in human heart disease is not entirely clear.

Methods:

A review was carried out to assess all scientific literature on human patients related to AVFs, as described in the published literature. The search was conducted on 2 different databases, Medline (PubMed), and ISI Web of Knowledge.

Results:

Fifty-five reports were under analysis. Autopsy studies showed AVFs to be present in 55.9% of individuals studied in such studies. They occur more frequently in men and, in general, their frequency increases with age. Although common, fenestrations rarely cause regurgitation; however, they may play an important role in the pathophysiology of some cases of severe aortic regurgitation. AVFs have been described in patients with Down syndrome and Marfan syndrome, in patients with bicuspid or quadricuspid valves, and in patients with myxomatous valvular degeneration. Echocardiographic assessment of aortic regurgitation seems to have limitations in the diagnosis of valvular fenestrations.

Conclusions:

Fenestrations of the aortic valve are very common and are associated with certain clinical conditions. It is unknown if AVFs play any role in the current epidemic of aortic valve disease. Future studies should aim to better define the role of AVFs in aortic valve disease, to further understand its etiology and to develop diagnostic criteria.

Aortic valve leaflet perforation after mitral valve repair

A 32-year-old patient with symptomatic severe aortic regurge, 6 weeks after mitral valve repair, was admitted for aortic valve surgery. No preoperative clinical data consistent with infective endocarditis could be detected. Preoperative transthoracic echocardiography showed aortic leaflet perforation affecting non coronary cusp. During operation, leaflet perforation was detected and closed completely with autologous pericardial patch. No vegetations or abscess could be seen during operation. Iatrogenic aetiology of leaflet perforation after mitral repair was suspected in this case. Recognition of this complication will help in avoiding it during mitral valve surgery and expecting it as a possible complication during intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography.