Fulminant mitral regurgitation due to ruptured chordae tendinae in acute rheumatic fever.
OBJECTIVE
Description of the presentation and management of cases of fulminant mitral regurgitation in acute rheumatic fever (ARF).


METHODS
Retrospective case series of 4 children, aged 6-10 years, presenting in acute pulmonary oedema because of rupture of elongation of the chordae tendinae of the mitral valve leading to flail leaflets and severe mitral regurgitation.


RESULTS
Urgent cardiac surgery with mitral valve repair was performed. Resolution of heart failure was achieved in each case. The difficulties in diagnosis and management of this uncommon and often unrecognised presentation of ARF are discussed.


CONCLUSIONS
Cardiac surgery can be life saving for fulminant mitral regurgitation due to rupture of chordae tendinae of the mitral valve in ARF.
Anderson
Yvonne
Y
Kidz First Children's Hospital, Middlemore Hospital, South Auckland, New Zealand.
Wilson
Nigel
N
Nicholson
Ross
R
Finucane
Kirsten
K
D002648:Child; D002815:Chordae Tendineae / Q000293:injuries*; D006335:Heart Injuries / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008944:Mitral Valve Insufficiency / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D011654:Pulmonary Edema / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012213:Rheumatic Fever / Q000150:complications*