Summary

A 37-year-old Caucasian female with known rheumatic mitral stenosis was admitted for Balloon mitral valvuloplasty which was complicated with a laceration of anterior mitral leaflet (A2 scallop) resulting in severe mitral regurgitation. Intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) was instituted and the patient was referred for emergency mitral surgery. During surgery anterior mitral leaflet was excised. Most of the posterior leaflet was preserved. Mitral valve was replaced with St Jude mitral mechanical valve. Operation was uneventful and patient's recovery was uncomplicated. Complications associated with mitral valvuloplasty include ventricular perforation, leaflet laceration, rupture of chordae, sepsis, cardiac tamponade and premature ventricular contractions. Torrential mitral regurgitation postvalvuloplasty is a serious, life-threatening complication. Considering the risk of serious complication associated with percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty (PMBV), this procedure should be performed in qualified cardiac catheterisation labs with a backup facility of cardiac surgery to deal with any potential life-threatening complications.