Acquired submitral aneurysms may be associated with mitral paravalvular leaks

Abstract

Acquired submitral aneurysm after mitral valve replacement is caused by weakness of the annular tissues induced by inflammation, scarring, and ischemia from surgical trauma. The asynchronous stretch of the annulus caused by the submitral aneurysm may cause recurrent paravalvular leaks. In patients with acquired submitral aneurysms and paravalvular leaks, ideal solution is a repeat surgery to address both the aneurysm and the leak. However, when patients are at high risk for repeat surgeries on cardiopulmonary bypass through sternotomy, transcatheter closure of these paravalvar leaks may offer an alternative solution. Four such procedures in three patients are detailed in this report.