Ultrasonic-cardiographic long-term observations in patients with operated stenosis of the mitral valve.

135 patients operated for stenosis of the mitral valve were observed and treated 10.3 years, on the average. Three years of this time belong to the preoperative period and 7.3 years to the postoperative one. For evaluating the degree of stenosis, several ultrasound cardiograms were made yearly. After the operation one ultrasound examination was made every year for observing progress. In order to examine the effect of penicillin metaphylaxis on the process of restenosis, the patients were classified into different groups. The best operative result was maintained if continuous postoperative treatment with penicillin was made.