Case Report

Mitral Valve Repair in a Sub-Saharan African Country (Benin): Initial Experience and Short-term Outcomes

Authors: Bori Bata Abdel Kémal, Ahounou Ernest, Ibrahim Ahmad, Nékoua Désiré, Sonou Arnaud, Codjo Léopold, Demondion Pierre.

DOI: 10.33425/2639-8486.1199

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Abstract

Introduction: Mitral valve repair offers significant advantages in terms of morbidity and mortality over mitral valve replacement, and is best suited to developing countries given the high cost of prostheses and lifelong anticoagulation. The objective of this study was to assess the short-term outcomes of mitral valve repair in Benin.

Method: This was a prospective study including all patients who underwent mitral valve repair at the Hubert Koutoukou Maga National University Hospital Center in Benin between March 2021 and October 2024.

Results: Twenty patients were included, with a mean age of 45.9 ± 13.6 years and a male-to-female ratio of 1.5. Dyspnea was the predominant symptom (90.0%). Isolated mitral regurgitation was observed in all patients, with a mean left ventricular ejection fraction of 61.3 ± 9.4% and a mean pulmonary artery systolic pressure of 57.8 ± 17.6 mmHg. Rheumatic etiology accounted for 60% of cases. The mean cardiopulmonary bypass time was 92.8±34.2 min, with a mean cross-clamping time of 66.6±27.3min. Annuloplasty was performed in 95% of patients. The most frequent concomitant procedure was tricuspid valve repair (50%). Ninety-day mortality was 5%.

Conclusion: Mitral valve repair is a preferable alternative to valve replacement. The complexity of the lesions involved renders this procedure challenging, and optimal results can only be achieved through rigorous patient selection and precise lesion analysis. These short-term findings are encouraging, and call for further advancements.

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