Extensive dehiscence of a stentless bioprosthesis with only mild paravalvular regurgitation after replacement of a degenerated bicuspid aortic valve.
We report the case of a 54-year-old patient admitted for rehabilitation after implantation of a stentless bioprosthesis due to severe insufficiency of a degenerated bicuspid aortic valve. The patient could fully participate in a standard cardiac rehabilitation program without any signs of haemodynamic instability. Transthoracic echocardiography showed a small mobile subvalvular structure and only mild paravalvular reflux. Transesophageal echocardiography, however, revealed extensive dehiscence of the bioprosthesis with the need for urgent reoperation. We discuss the probable causes and encourage routine echocardiography after valve operations with generous application of transesophageal echocardiography in every suspicious case.
Poppe
Dirk
D
Curschmann-Klinik der Klinikgruppe, Timmendorfer Strand, Germany. dr.poppe@drguth.de
Blank
Peter
P
Böge
Uta
U
Kölzow
Tatjana
T
Loh
Jürgen
J
Schwaab
Bernhard
B
D001022:Aortic Valve Insufficiency / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D001705:Bioprosthesis; D017548:Echocardiography, Transesophageal; D017079:Exercise Tolerance; D006350:Heart Valve Prosthesis; D019918:Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011475:Prosthesis Failure; D012086:Reoperation; D013529:Surgical Wound Dehiscence / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology