Midterm outcome of mitral valve regurgitation after repair of atrioventricular septal defect.

The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the outcome of mitral regurgitation (MR) following repair of atrioventricular septal defects (AVSDs). Echocardiograms of all survivors after AVSD surgery between 1991 and 1996 were reviewed. This study enrolled 16 patients who had had more than two postoperative color Doppler studies. On each echocardiogram, MR severity was graded on a 1+ to 4+ scale, based on the size of the MR jet. Mean age at surgery was 31.1 months (range 2.5 to 83) and mean postoperative follow-up duration was 23.6 months (range 1 to 59). Mild deterioration of mitral valve function was common. MR severity increased by one or more grades in 5 patients (31%) between the initial and final examinations. However, the deterioration in mitral valve function occurred primarily on the immediate postoperative stage. On mid-term follow-up, the MR improved, or at least became stationary, in all patients. Mitral valvuloplasty was not necessary in surviving patients. We conclude that postoperative MR remains fairly stable following AVSD repair. Serious deterioration is rare.