Mitral Valve Regurgitation from Rheumatic Fever

[matty_boston]

My 8 year old daughter was diagnosed with Rheumatic Fever. As a result of this her echo showed mild to mild plus mitral valve regurgitation with no heart inflammation (said her heart was in the healing stages). Because of this she needs to be on penicillin till 21 to prevent further strep and RF. I am worried about what this will have on her quality of life. She is very active and right now doesn't have any restrictions. Is it possible for her valve to heal? Will she lead a normal life provided she has regular checkups  with her cardiologist?

Thanks!

[ipom]

My sister, 57, is having mitral valve replacement in 2 weeks.  Her surgeon met with family and explained that, in short, the calcium has built up around the valve and spilled over into the heart muscle.  Said surgery is riskier than first thought because calcium has to be removed from the tissue before the new valve can be inserted and sewn into the tissue.  He said the calcium has built up close to major arteries and chips could go astray and lodge in arteries while it is being removed.  Said it is the worst case he has seen re: calcium buildup in this area.  Let her know that she might not make it.  Has anyone had experience with this risky surgery--replacing mitral valve when calcium buildup is extreme?  Any comments would help.  We don't want to lose my sister.  She lives in New Orleans suburb and is satisfied that she has the right surgeon.  Highly recommended by many and is supposedly sought after nationwide.  I would appreciate replies to me at ***@****.  Thanks.    Alice

[Cleveland Clinic]

matty,

thanks for the post.

A lot of what happens depends on the course of her illness. If the physicians think that her valve irregularities are from carditis and rheumatic fever, often the antibiotic prophylaxis is longer then age 21, so I'm a little unsure of the exact course o fher illness. It is very important that the interpretation of the echocardiogram in patients with mild carditis from rheumatic fever is interpreted by a physician familiar with the mild forms of the disease.

Overall, if her symptoms resolve, and the amount of heart damage is minimal or nonexistant, then she will probably live a full healthy life. It would be important that with any symtpoms such as increasing shortness of breath she be evaluated.

good luck