Acute Mitral Regurgitation Due to Leaflet Tear After Balloon Valvotomy

Percutaneous mitral balloon valvotomy (PMV) has evolved into an effective method for the treatment of patients with symptomatic mitral stenosis. An increase in mitral regurgitation can occur in ≈45% of patients undergoing PMV. Severe mitral regurgitation can be caused by rupture of chordae or of a papillary muscle. Noncommissural tearing of the mitral leaflet is also an important mechanism of severe regurgitation after PMV. A 35-year-old woman presented with exertional dyspnea that had been present for 3 months. Physical examination revealed a chronically …