Incidentally Discovered Anomalous Mitral Chordae at the Time of Mitral Valve Repair

Abstract

Anomalous supravalvular mitral chordae tendineae that originate from the mitral leaflet(s) and attach to the interatrial septum or dome of the left atrium are a rare congenital anomaly. These supravalvular chordae are often associated with severe mitral regurgitation and surgical experience has included resection of the anomalous chord as part of the repair. We describe an unusual presentation of an incidentally discovered anomalous supravalvular chord at the time of mitral valve repair for degenerative mitral regurgitation related to a flail posterior leaflet. The anomalous chord did not contribute to the mechanism of mitral regurgitation and was therefore left intact.