Mitral valve disease in young; Review of surgical treatment

In India rheumatic mitral valve disease in younger age group continues unabated. The present study consists of 170 cases of mitral valve disease in young, operated upon at Military Hospital (Cardiothoracic Centre), Pune, during the last 10 years. The clinical electro-cardiographic and roentgenographic findings are presented. Echocardiographic and haemodynamic studies were performed in a few cases. 136 cases underwent closed mitral valvotomy and in 34 cases open heart surgery was performed. Closed mitral valvotomy achieved satisfying results in majority of the cases of mitral stenosis. Open heart surgery was considered when there was gross mitral regurgitation, multivalvular disease or left atrial thrombus. Closed mitral valvotomy continues to be the treatment of choice in the majority of the cases in this age group.