Severe mitral regurgitation due to mitral leaflet aneurysm diagnosed by three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography: A case report

Background: A small mitral valve aneurysm (MVA) presenting as severe mitral regurgitation (MR) is uncommon. Case presentation: A 47-year-old man with a history of hypertension complained of exertional chest discomfort. A transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) revealed the presence of MR and prolapse of the posterior leaflet. A 6-mm in diameter MVA, not clearly visualized by TTE, was detected on the posterior leaflet on a three-dimensional (3D) transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). The patient underwent uncomplicated triangular resection of P2 and mitral valve annuloplasty, and was discharged from postoperative rehabilitation, 2weeks after the operation. Histopathology of the excised leaflet showed myxomatous changes without infective vegetation or signs of rheumatic heart disease. Conclusions: A small, isolated MVA is a cause of severe MR, which might be overlooked and, therefore, managed belatedly. 3D TEE was helpful in imaging its morphologic details.