BACKGROUND
Progress in the techniques of mitral valve replacement (MVR) surgery and
the resultant high efficacy and safety have led to its widespread use.
(1-3) However, MVR may be rarely associated with serious complications.
Acute myocardial infarction following MVR is amongst these serious
complications that result from the compressive effect of the mitral
valve prosthesis on the adjacent coronary arteries, particularly the
left circumflex coronary artery (LCX) and the posterior artery of the
left ventricle (LV). (3-6) Iatrogenic damage to the LCX following MVR is
rare, but it may constitute a complicated and life-threatening injury.
(1, 2, 7) The existing literature contains a dearth of information on
post-MVR iatrogenic LCX injury; accordingly, we herein present a case of
LCX injury secondary to MVR, managed with conservative medical
treatment. Additionally, we discuss the causes of this infrequent
complication and the treatment of choice. (4)