Severe Mitral Regurgitation Secondary to Atresia of the Posterior Mitral Valve Leaflet in the Adult: Is Repair Always Best Practice?

We describe a case of a 66-year-old woman with severe mitral regurgitation secondary to posterior leaflet atresia of the mitral valve. Perioperative transesophageal echocardiography suggested the possibility of an absent posterior leaflet with complete prolapse of the anterior leaflet. We questioned the functional outcome if repair was attempted; therefore, mitral valve replacement was performed. We present a case outlining the successful management of this rare condition in an adult as well as a review of current literature.