Ventricular Function Before and After Surgery for Isolated and Combined Regurgitation in the Young

The authors evaluated ventricular function after AR or MR in young patients with regurgitation and preoperative signs of ventricular dysfunction.  Results at 18 mos were compared to a normal population.  Persistent LV dysfunction was present in 85% after AR+MR and was more common than after either operation alone.  Preoperative end-systolic volume predicted postop LV dysfunction in pts undergoing isolated MR or AR.