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.