Long-term results of reoperation for left atrioventricular valve regurgitation after correction of atrioventricular septal defects

Background: Long-term results of reoperation for left atrioventricular valve regurgitation (LAVVR) after previous correction of atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD) are scarce. We evaluated long-term outcome of reoperation for LAVVR and identified risk factors for reoperation. Methods: Between December 1976 and July 2006, 45 of 312 patients with correction of different AVSDs underwent reoperation for LAVVR. The cohort of 267 patients who did not need reoperation for LAVVR allowed for the identification of risk factors for reoperation and evaluation of overall survival after primary AVSD repair in a competing risk scenario. Clinical data were obtained by retrospective review. Results: The left atrioventricular valve (LAVV) was repaired in 31 patients (68.9%) and replaced in 14 (31.1%). There were 3 in-hospital deaths (6.7%) and 2 late deaths (4.4%). Estimated overall survival was 88.1% at 15 years after the reoperation, and estimated incidence of death after reoperation in the total patient cohort was 2% at 15 years after the primary AVSD repair. Overall survival was significantly higher after LAVV repair than after replacement (p = 0.010). Ten patients with LAVV repair required a second reoperation for LAVVR. At follow-up, survivors were in New York Heart Association functional class I (n = 36) or II (n = 4). Independent risk factors for first reoperation for LAVVR were associated cardiovascular anomalies (p < 0.001), LAVV dysplasia (p < 0.001), and nonclosure of the cleft (p = 0.027). Conclusions: After previous correction of AVSD, LAVVR can usually be corrected by valve repair. A very dysplastic valve may necessitate replacement. Overall survival is higher after repair than after replacement. In general, overall survival of patients reoperated on for LAVVR is favorable. The overall mortality rate after primary repair of AVSD is explained only for a small part by mortality after reoperation for LAVVR.