Congenital mitral valve anomalies

Abstract

Congenital anomalies of the mitral valve represent a broad spectrum of lesions that are often associated with other congenital heart anomalies. The reported incidence of congenital anomalies of the mitral valve in an echocardiographic study of 13,400 subjects was 0.5 % (Banerjee et al. 1995). These lesions affect valve function in a variable manner. When indicated, surgical intervention results in good long-term results (Hoashi et al. 2010; Lee et al. 2010; Serraf et al. 2000). In the last few years, enhanced knowledge of the functional as well as anatomical aspects of these lesions accompanied by concomitant significant advances in the diagnosis as well as anesthetic and surgical management has contributed to improved outcomes. This chapter provides an overview of the different congenital malformations that can affect the mitral valve excluding mitral valve anomalies in atrioventricular septal defects (AVSD) and univentricular hearts and focuses on the anesthetic and surgical management of these congenital mitral anomalies.