MITRAL HOMOGRAFT FOR TRICUSPID-VALVE ENDOCARDITIS COMPLICATING A CONGENITAL FISTULA BETWEEN THE RIGHT CORONARY-ARTERY AND RIGHT VENTRICLE

The authors report a case of tricuspid endocarditis complicating a con genital coronary artery fistula to the right ventricle in an eight-yea r-old female. The patient underwent valve replacement using a cryopres erved mitral homograft. Six months later, clinical and echocardiograph ic status are excellent. Using a mitral homograft for tricuspid endoca rditis is a recognized approach in adults, whereas in pediatric cases it is exceptional. Homografts could prove to be a valid procedure in c hildren when repair is not feasible, although one could expect a more rapid deterioration.