Haemolysis: the harbinger of recurrent mitral regurgitation after mitral valve repair

Abstract

We present a case of severe haemolysis post mitral valve repair that presented within the first week of operation. Despite assurance of a good repair, with initial postoperative echocardiographic evidence, the patient subsequently developed haemolysis and required forty units of blood over three months. We emphasize that an unexplained anaemia post mitral valve repair should trigger suspicion for mechanical haemolysis and suggest disease progression or failure of repair.