[Mitral and Aortic Valve Replacement and Tricuspid Valve Repair in a Patient with Metal Allergy].

ABSTRACT

We report a 63-year-old woman came to our hospital with exertional dyspnea, palpitations, and abdominal distention. Echocardiography showed mitral, aortic, and tricuspid valve insufficiency, for which surgery was indicated. Twenty-six years ago, during dental therapy, she was diagnosed with metal allergy. A patch test demonstrated allergic reactions to manganese, chromium, and zinc. The patient underwent mitral and aortic valve replacement with the On-X prosthetic heart valve, which is primarily made of titanium and devoid of the allergens. She also underwent tricuspid valve repair with a Contour 3D annuloplasty ring, which is made of titanium alloy. She manifested no allergic symptoms three years after surgery. This case elucidates the importance of history taking regarding metal allergy and identification of allergens by patch testing in patients undergoing cardiac surgery involving metal device implantation.