Abstract

BACKGROUND: Mitral valve aneurysms (MVAs) are uncommon conditions frequently associated with aortic valve endocarditis. They may be complicated by perforation and severe mitral regurgitation (MR). Optimal treatment of MVA, and in particular the best timing for surgery, are uncertain.

CASE REPORT: A 62-year-old man with a recent history of dental surgery presented to the Emergency Department complaining relapsing fever. A first echocardiogram demonstrated infective endocarditis of the aortic valve. The patient was primarily managed with specific antibiotic therapy. Despite this, a few days later he suffered from splenic embolization and an MVA with MR was detected. Surgical replacement of the mitral and aortic valves was therefore performed.

CONCLUSIONS: MVAs are infrequent but potentially severe complications of AV endocarditis. In the absence of definite treatment indication, the correct time for surgery should depend on concomitant clinical and infective features.

Keywords: Aortic Valve, Cardiac Surgical Procedures, Echocardiography, Endocarditis, Mitral Valve Insufficiency