Simplified mitral valve repair in pediatric patients with connective tissue disorders.

BACKGROUND: In pediatric patients with connective tissue disorders (CTDs), early cardiac presentation often involves severe mitral regurgitation (MR) associated with severe bileaflet prolapse and, less frequently, aortic root enlargement. We adopted a simplified repair to address MR and prevent systolic anterior motion (SAM) in this unique group of patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of clinical and echocardiographic data of all pediatric patients (age < 18 years) with CTD and MR undergoing simplified repair at 3 institutions (2000-2014).

RESULTS: Eighteen children who underwent surgery for severe MR and bileaflet prolapse were identified. All were treated with ring annuloplasty and Alfieri edge-to-edge repair. Median age and weight were 8.2 years (range, 0.4-17.2 years) and 24.9 kg (5.6-63.3 kg), respectively. Median left ventricular end diastolic dimension median z score was 4.9 (2.1-11.9). One patient died (5.6%), and there were no other major complications. Among survivors, 94.4% had mild regurgitation or less, with no stenosis or SAM at median clinical follow-up of 2.4 years (range, 0-13.9 years). Median left ventricular end-diastolic dimension z score regressed to 1.3 (-0.5 to 4.3).

CONCLUSIONS: In pediatric patients with CTD and severe MR, a simplified approach is associated with intermediate-term competence, absence of SAM or significant stenosis, and regression of left ventricular enlargement.