Near Catastrophic Accelerated Structural Degeneration of the Perimount Magna Pericardial Bioprosthesis in Children

Experience with pericardial bioprostheses in young patients is limited. Accelerated degeneration of the Mitroflow valve has recently been reported. We report early accelerated structural valve degeneration with the Perimount Magna bioprosthesis, which has not been previously reported. Young patients with the Magna bioprosthesis are at high risk for rapid progression to severe stenosis, which underscores their need for more vigilant surveillance. The benefits and risks of these bioprosthetic valves must be weighed carefully when options for replacement in these young patients are discussed.