Atrioventricular valve replacement in the idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome.

Three patients with the idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome and the associated endocardiopathy are described who underwent atrioventricular valve replacement after intractable congestive heart failure secondary to valvular dysfunction developed. Following valve replacement, all three patients sustained striking improvement in exercise tolerance and control of congestive heart failure. Thus, atrioventricular valve replacement may be beneficial to selected patients with congestive heart failure associated with the endocardial process of the idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome.