Since 1974 a non-supported mitral annuloplasty technique has been employed for treatment of pure mitral regurgitation (PMR), in a population that was predominantly young and of rheumatic ethnology. An evaluation of late results forms the basis of this report. There were 154 patients operated on for PMR, 55 (36%) male and 99 (64%) female. Mean age was 36 ± 16 (5 to 73) years. Associated lesions were: 47 aortic, 21 tricuspid and 2 ASDs (atrial aptal defects). Cases with concomitant mitral stenosis were not included. Properative functional class was I-II in 19% and III-IV in 81%. The cardiothoracic ratio was 0.61 ± 0.10. All patients were submitted to an unsupported mitral annuloplastic procedure, similar to that described by WOOLER, that consisted in reduction of the mural portion of the annulus obtained with the application of two buttressed mattress sutures at the comissures without compromisse to the width of the septal leaflet. When necessary, additional chordal procedures were performed. No patients received ring or posterior annular support. Residual late systolic murmur was present in 48%. Late complications were: systemic thromboembolism 5.8% (1/3 with aortic prosthesis), infective endocardites 1.3% and pulmonary thromboembolism 0.7%. Postoperative functional class was I-II in 84% and III-IV in 16%. Cardiothoracic ratio was 0.58 ± 0.10. Actuarial probability of late survival was 79.5 ± 5.3% at 10 years and 71.0 ± 7.4% at 14 years. Event free survival was 67.9 ± 8.9% at 10 years and 56.1 ± 11.7% at 14 years. Rheumatic mitral regurgitation can be effectively treated by annuloplasty without prosthetic annular support with late results comparable to those obtained with more complicated procedures. This is particularly important for treatment of children and young patients, specially females at child-bearing age which, in some areas, form a substantial cohort in mitral disease.
mitral valve; valvuloplasty; rheumatic mitral regurgitation