Mitral Valve Replacement in Patients with Mitral Annulus Calcification

pp. 503-507

Abstract

Background: Mitral annulus calcification is a degenerative process which poses a challenging technical problem in patients undergoing surgical treatment of the mitral valve, increasing the probability of severe complications as stroke, perivalvular leaks, bleeding and death.

Objective: The aim of this study was to describe our experience in mitral valve surgery with severe mitral annulus calcification.

Methods: Between July 2010 and July 2020, 28 patients underwent surgery due to mitral valve disease with severe mitral annulus calcification. Median age was 77 years and 68% of patients were female. Mitral valve replacement was performed in all patients, associated with aortic valve replacement in 36%, tricuspid valve repair in 11% and coronary artery bypass graft surgery in 21% of cases.

Results: Two patients died during hospitalization. The most frequent postoperative complications were atrial fibrillation and acute kidney failure. No perivalvular leaks or prosthesis-associated complications were observed.

Conclusions: Mitral valve surgery in the presence of mitral annulus calcification can be performed with acceptable results for the risk profile of the population with the disease and according to international publications.