Idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome is a rare systemic disease than can cause multiple organ failure by eosinophilic infiltration. Cardiac involvement is characterized by endocardial fibrosis and overlying thrombus, leading to restrictive cardiomyopathy and valvular dysfunction. Surgical experience of patients with mitral dysfunction caused by this syndrome is limited, and valvular replacement is most often performed. Mechanical valvular replacement has a

high incidence of recurrent obstructive thrombosis, and replacement with a bioprosthesis is recommended, despite associated restrictive cardiomyopathy. A patient is described who presented with mitral insufficiency associated with idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome, and underwent mitral valve repair.

The Journal of Heart Valve Disease 2004;13:529-531