Long-term outcomes and latest echocardiographic data
The latest echocardiographic data of patients without recurrence are
presented in Table 4. The mean follow-up period was 7.2 years (range,
1.3–9.5 years). The average length of the latest echocardiographic
follow-up was 6.7 years (range, 0.6–9.3 years). No patients developed
recurrence of the infective endocarditis, and the inflammatory response
as shown by the laboratory data remained negative after finishing
antibiotic therapy. In the latest echocardiographic examination, four
patients had mitral regurgitation of less than 1+ with good cardiac
function. The leaflet function of the autologous pericardium was good
without any restricted movements, such as stiffness or calcification, in
these four patients. Recurrence of severe mitral valve regurgitation was
detected in Patient 3 at 5 months postoperatively and was probably due
to detachment of the autologous pericardium suture line. This patient
remained under observation because no symptoms had developed and left
ventricular function was good.