Re: Regurgitation

Posted By CCF Cardio MD-SGM on June 02, 1998 at 15:13:25:

In Reply to: Regurgitation posted by Barry on May 30, 1998 at 20:08:56:






Dear Cardio MD -APS
Regarding "Regurgitation" May 26 11:44:16--Thanks for your valuable information. I really appreciate it!
I have another question: One of my echo reports says "mitral valve myxomatous with bileaflet prolapse." Is repair still tried if both my leaflets are abnormal? If yes, what are the risks? If not, would surgery still be recommended even if it means valve replacement?
Thanks again,
Barry



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Dear Barry,
Involvement of both leaflets of the mitral valve is not unusual in myxomatous degeneration leading to regurgitation.  Severe bileaflet prolapse is repairable, but this is a more complicated and somewhat less successful repair than certain other disorders of the mitral valve.  In answer to your question,  the valve needs to be carefully evaluated by your cardiologist and cardiovascular surgeon, who can estimate the odds for successful repair.  If repair is less likely, then the risks of valve replacement (anticoagulation with coumadin, etc)  need to be weighed against the benefits of replacing the valve (avoiding progressive deterioration in ventricular function, improve breathlessness, decrease risk of atrial fibrillation and pulmonary hypertension, etc).
Thus, the decision is quite delicate and needs to be carefully considered by your physician.  If you wish, we would be happy to evaluate you here at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation by calling 1-800 CCF CARE and making an appointment with Dr. Brian Griffin or Dr. Bill Stewart at Desk F15.  Best of luck.  Information in the Heart Forum is for general purposes.  Specific diagnoses and therapies can only be provided by your physician.