Repeated failure of nickel-containing prosthetic heart valves in a patient allergic to nickel.

Life-threatening peri-prosthetic incompetence developed with two successive nickel-containing mitral-valve prostheses in a patient allergic to nickel. Neither prosthesis had been incorporated satisfactorily. Her present nickel-free prosthesis seems to be satisfactory 22 months after insertion. Since allergy to nickel may have been involved in the failure of these prostheses, it is recommended that nickel-sensitive patients should be given nickel-free prostheses.