Severe aortic regurgitation immediately after mitral valve annuloplasty

We report a case of severe aortic regurgitation occurring immediately after the insertion of a mitral annuloplasty ring. On transesophageal echocardio graphy, regurgitation was found to originate from the retracted left corona ry cusp. On direct examination, part of the aortic wall was folded, but no suture could be identified. It was reasoned that tension created by the rin g caused the retraction. The problem was corrected by releasing three sutur es on the ring. Postoperative course was uneventful. (Ann Thorac Surg 1999; 67:1487-9) (C) 1999 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.