[A case of left atrial plication for mitral valvular disease with giant left atrium].
A case of plication of giant left atrium complicating mitral valvular disease is reported. The patient was a 44-year-old female with mitral stenosis and regurgitation, whose respiratory function was severely disturbed. Chest X-ray showed severe stenosis of the left main bronchus and widening of the tracheal bifurcation secondary to compression by the left atrium. Mitral valve replacement and left atrial plication was performed. Postoperative respiratory weaning was uneventful and respiratory function was improved. We concluded that plication is very beneficial in patients with giant left atrium who have signs of compression of the bronchus and lungs.