Efficacy of Artificial Chordal Reconstruction for Idiopathic Severe Mitral Regurgitation Due To Chordal Rupture in Infancy

Early surgical intervention is required for sudden onset, severe mitral regurgitation (MR) due to chordal rupture in infants with normal development younger than 1 year. The condition has been recognized as idiopathic. However, the surgical options in children are limited because of their size and somatic growth. We sought to examine the efficacy of mitral valve plasty by artificial chordal reconstruction for these infants in mid-to-long term. From August 2005 through June 2012, 8 consecutive patients aged 1-7 months underwent mitral valve plasty by chordal reconstruction using expanded polytetrafluoroethylene sutures for MR, owing to leaflet prolapse. The geometric parameters of the diameter of the mitral annulus (D1), the long axis of the left ventricular (LV) chamber (D2), and the length of the papillary muscle including the reconstructed chordae (D3) were measured, as well as MR grade (0–4) and LV end-diastolic dimension, at each time point. The parameters were compared with those in the control group that included Kawasaki disease patients without cardiac lesions and healthy children (n = 51). Mean follow-up period was 5.8 (2.8-9.6) years. Freedom from reoperation was 100%. MR grades were 3.9 ± 0.4 preoperatively, 2.4 ± 0.9 at discharge, and 1.4 ± 0.6 at the latest. Postoperative MR was improved within 1 year in 5 of 6 patients who had grade 2 or higher regurgitation. LV end-diastolic dimensions were 109% (% of normal), 113%, and 107% at discharge, 3, and 5 years, respectively. Geometric configuration indicated by the D1/D2 ratio did not significantly change with time. The length of the papillary muscle including reconstructed chordae (D3) strongly correlated with body surface area (r² = 0.65), which seemed to be equivalent to that in the control group. In conclusion, postoperative mitral valve function and geometry was preserved. This procedure with a low morbidity should be an option for pediatric patients with acute severe MR.