Rupture of chordae tendineae in acute rheumatic carditis: report of one case.

Acute rheumatic carditis is a rare cause of ruptured chordae tendineae of the mitral valve. Such rupture could result in severe mitral regurgitation and in fatality. Surgical valvuloplasty or valve replacement is usually necessary. A 12-year old boy presented with acute rheumatic carditis, complicated with rupture of the chordae tendineae of the mitral valve leading to intractable congestive heart failure and cardiogenic shock. He was successfully treated by a simple repair of the chordae and by mitral valvuloplasty.