The impact of functional vs degenerative mitral regurgitation on clinical outcomes among patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation

Impact on Outcome of Different Mechanisms, Baseline Degree and Changes of Mitral Regurgitation in Patients With Aortic Stenosis Who Underwent Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

BACKGROUND

Mitral regurgitation (MR) is frequent in patients with aortic stenosis (AS). Although primary MR is an established negative prognostic factor, whether different mechanisms of MR have different effects on outcome is currently unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the MR mechanism in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

METHODS AND RESULTS

This is a retrospective observational study of patients who underwent TAVR for severe aortic stenosis in a high-volume tertiary care center. Echocardiographic comprehensive MR assessment was performed at baseline and within 3 months post TAVR. The study population was divided into 4 groups according to MR mechanism: Group I: fibro-calcific leaflet degeneration; Group II: prolapse/flail; Group III: ventricular secondary MR (functional MR); and Group IV: atrial functional MR. The study end point was a combination of death from cardiovascular cause and heart failure-related hospitalization. The study population included 427 patients (mean age 81.7±6.5 years; 71% primary MR; 62% ≥moderate MR). At 3-year follow-up, survival free from the composite end point significantly differs according to MR mechanism: it was higher in group IV (atrial functional MR, 96.6%) compared with group I (80.4%, P=0.002) and group II patients (60.7%, P=0.001), and group III (84.8%, P=0.037); patients with MR due to leaflet prolapse showed poorer prognosis compared with patients with functional MR (group III, P=0.023 and group IV, P=0.001) and with group I (P=0.040). Overall, severe MR after TAVR identified patients with poorer prognosis and was significantly more frequent in group II (46.4%, P=0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients undergoing TAVR, preprocedural identification of MR mechanism and mechanism provides prognostic insights.

Multiple Valvular Heart Disease in the Transcatheter Era: A State-of-the-Art Review

Although existing guidelines offer strong recommendations for single valvular dysfunction, the growing prevalence of multiple valvular heart disease (MVHD) in our aging population is challenging the clarity of clinical guidance. Traditional diagnostic modalities, such as echocardiography, face inherent constraints in precisely quantifying valvular dysfunction due to the hemodynamic interactions that occur with multiple valve involvement. Therefore, many patients with MVHD present at a later stage in their disease course and with an elevated surgical risk. The expansion of transcatheter therapy for the treatment of valvular heart disease has added new opportunities for higher-risk patients. However, the impact of isolated valve therapies on patients with MVHD is still not well understood. This review focuses on the etiology, diagnostic challenges, and therapeutic considerations for some of the most common concomitant valvular abnormalities that occur in our daily clinic population.

Combined Significant Aortic Stenosis and Mitral Regurgitation: Challenges in Timing and Type of Intervention

In this narrative review, we aim to summarize the literature surrounding the assessment and management of the common, yet understudied combination of aortic stenosis (AS) and mitral regurgitation (MR), the components of which are complexly inter-related and interdependent from diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic perspectives. The hemodynamic interdependency of AS and MR confounds the assessment of the severity of each valve disease, thus underscoring the importance of a multimodal approach integrating valvular and extravalvular indicators of severity. A large body of literature suggests that baseline MR is associated with reduced survival post aortic valve (AV) intervention and that regression of MR post-AV intervention confers a mortality benefit. Functional MR is more likely to regress after AV intervention than primary MR. The respective natural courses of the 2 valve diseases are not synchronized; therefore, significant AS and MR at or above the respective threshold for intervention might not coincide. Surgery is primarily a 1-stop-shop procedure because of a considerable perioperative risk of repeat interventions, whereas transcatheter treatment modalities allow for a more tailored timing of intervention with reassessment of concomitant MR after AV replacement and a potential staged intervention in the absence of MR regression. In summary, AS and MR, when combined, are interlaced into a complex hemodynamic, diagnostic, and prognostic synergy, with important therapeutic implications. Contemporary approaches should consider stepwise intervention by exploiting the advantage of transcatheter options. However, evidence is needed to demonstrate the efficacy of different timing and therapeutic options.

Mitral Valve Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair After TAVR: A Nationwide Analysis

Patients with persistent severe mitral regurgitation after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) may benefit from mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (M-TEER). Using the Nationwide Readmission Database, we identified patients who had M-TEER within 6 months after TAVR and compared their outcomes with patients who had M-TEER without previous recent TAVR during the same calendar year between 2014 and 2020. Because Nationwide Readmission Database data do not cross years, analysis was restricted to the last half of each calendar year. End points included in-hospital mortality and 30-day and 90-day postdischarge rehospitalization rates. In 23,885 M-TEER patients, 396 (1.7%) had a previous recent TAVR. The number of post-TAVR M-TEER procedures increased progressively over time from 16 in 2014 to 92 in 2020. Patients who had M-TEER after a recent TAVR versus those without previous TAVR had similar in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio 0.38, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.12 to 1.23, p = 0.11), but higher rates of 30-day all-cause hospitalization and heart failure hospitalization (adjusted odds ratios 1.34, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.79, p = 0.04 and 1.63, 95% CI 1.13 to 2.36, p = 0.009, respectively). Nonetheless, in patients who underwent M-TEER post-TAVR, the cumulative 90-day all-cause hospitalization and heart failure hospitalization rates were less after M-TEER compared with before M-TEER (from 45.7% to 31.5%, p = 0.007, and from 29.0% to 16.6%, respectively, both p = 0.005). In conclusion, M-TEER procedures after TAVR in the United States are increasing. Patients with M-TEER after TAVR had similar in-hospital mortality as those who underwent M-TEER without recent TAVR, but higher 30-day hospitalization rates. Nonetheless, 90-day hospitalization rates were decreased after M-TEER in patients with previous TAVR.

Impact of mitral regurgitation aetiology on the outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve implantation

BACKGROUND

Concomitant moderate/severe mitral regurgitation (MR) is observed in 17-35% of patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and contributes to a worse prognosis. Studies analysing outcomes in patients undergoing TAVI with different MR aetiologies, including atrial functional MR (aFMR), are lacking.

AIMS

We aimed to analyse outcomes and changes in MR severity in patients with aFMR, ventricular functional (vFMR) and primary mitral regurgitation (PMR) following TAVI.

METHODS

We analysed all consecutive patients with at least moderate MR undergoing TAVI between January 2013 and December 2020 at the Munich University Hospital. Characterisation of MR aetiology was performed by detailed individual echocardiographic assessment. Three-year mortality, changes in MR severity and New York Heart Association (NYHA) Functional Class at follow-up were assessed.

RESULTS

Out of 3,474 patients undergoing TAVI, 631 patients showed MR ≥2+ (172 with aFMR, 296 with vFMR, 163 with PMR). Procedural characteristics and endpoints were comparable between groups. The rate of MR improvement was 80.2% in aFMR patients, which was significantly higher compared to both other groups (vFMR: 69.4%; p=0.03; PMR: 40.8%; p<0.001). The estimated 3-year survival rates did not differ between aetiologies (p=0.57). However, MR persistence at follow-up was associated with increased mortality (hazard ratio 1.49, 95% confidence interval: 1.04-2.11; p=0.027), mainly driven by the PMR subgroup of patients. NYHA Class improved significantly in all groups. In patients with baseline MR ≥3+, the PMR aetiology was associated with the lowest MR improvement, the lowest survival rates and least symptomatic improvement.

CONCLUSIONS

TAVI reduces MR severity and symptoms in patients with aFMR, vFMR and less-pronounced PMR. The presence of aFMR was associated with the greatest MR severity improvement.

Echocardiographic Evaluation after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: A Comprehensive Review

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is an increasingly popular treatment option for patients with severe aortic stenosis. Recent advancements in technology and imaging tools have significantly contributed to the success of TAVI procedures. Echocardiography plays a pivotal role in the evaluation of TAVI patients, both before and after the procedure. This review aims to provide an overview of the most recent technical advancements in echocardiography and their use in the follow-up of TAVI patients. In particular, the focus will be on the examination of the influence of TAVI on left and right ventricular function, which is frequently accompanied by other structural and functional alterations. Echocardiography has proven to be key also in detecting valve deterioration during extended follow-up. This review will provide valuable insights into the technical advancements in echocardiography and their role in the follow-up of TAVI patients.

Contemporary issues and lifetime management in patients underwent transcatheter aortic valve replacement

Latest clinical trials have indicated favorable outcomes following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in low surgical risk patients with severe aortic stenosis. However, there are unanswered questions particularly in younger patients with longer life expectancy. While current evidence are limited to short duration of clinical follow-up, there are certain factors which may impair patients clinical outcomes and quality-of-life at long-term. Contemporary issues in the current TAVR era include prosthesis-patient mismatch, heart failure hospitalization, subclinical thrombosis, future coronary access, and valve durability. In this review, the authors review available evidence and discuss each remaining issues and theoretical treatment strategies in lifetime management of TAVR patients.

[Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation in Multivalvular Heart Disease]

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation in Multivalvular Heart Disease Abstract. The prevalence of multivaluvular heart disease is high in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). The most common combination is aortic valve stenosis (AS) and mitral regurgitation, followed by the combination of AS with a tricuspid regurgitation or mitral stenosis. Grading of multivalvular disease is challenging and can quickly lead to underestimation of the disease stage. Therefore, a profound knowledge of pathophysiologic interactions is essential, and the patient should always undergo multimodal evaluation. After a successful TAVI intervention, secondary heart valve defects may improve, deteriorate, or remain unchanged. Due to the still sparse scientific data in this field, the role of the heart team remains central to provide the patient with an individually adapted therapy plan.

Prognostic relevance of mitral and tricuspid regurgitation after transcatheter aortic valve implantation: Impact of follow-up time point for decision-making

Background

In patients with aortic stenosis treated by transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), mitral and tricuspid regurgitation (MR and TR) at baseline and after TAVI are likely to be of prognostic relevance, and questions such as whether and when treatment further improves prognosis in these patients arise.

Aims

Against that background, the purpose of this study was to analyze a variety of clinical characteristics including MR and TR with respect to their potential value as predictors of 2-year mortality after TAVI.

Methods

A cohort of 445 typical TAVI patients was available for the study and clinical characteristics were evaluated baseline, 6 to 8 weeks as well as 6 months after TAVI.

Results

In 39% of the patients relevant (moderate or severe) MR and in 32% of the patients relevant (moderate or severe) TR could be detected at baseline. The rates were 27% for MR (p = 0.001, compared to baseline) and 35% for TR (p = n.s., compared to baseline) at the 6- to 8-week follow-up. After 6 months, relevant MR was observable in 28% (p = 0.036, compared to baseline) and relevant TR in 34% (p = n.s., compared to baseline) of the patients. As predictors of 2-year mortality, a multivariate analysis identified the following parameters for the different time points: sex, age, AS entity, atrial fibrillation, renal function, relevant TR, systolic pulmonary artery pressure (PAPsys), and 6-min walk distance at baseline; clinical frailty scale and PAPsys 6-8 weeks after TAVI and BNP and relevant MR 6 months after TAVI. There was a significantly worse 2-year survival in patients with relevant TR at baseline (68.4% vs. 82.6%, p < 0.001; whole population, n = 445) and in patients with relevant MR at 6 months (87.9% vs. 95.2%, p = 0.042; landmark analysis: n = 235).

Conclusion

This real-life study demonstrated the prognostic relevance of repeated evaluation of MR and TR before and after TAVI. Choosing the right time point for treatment is a remaining clinical challenge, which should be further addressed in randomized trials.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation in patients with rheumatic aortic stenosis

Background

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) accounts for the highest number of deaths from valvular heart disease globally. Yet, rheumatic aortic stenosis (AS) was excluded from landmark studies investigating the safety and efficacy of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). We aimed to describe the clinical and anatomical characteristics of patients with rheumatic AS undergoing TAVI, and to compare procedural and clinical outcomes with patients undergoing TAVI for degenerative AS.

Methods

In a prospective TAVI registry, patients with rheumatic AS were identified based on International Classification of Diseases version 10 codes and/or a documented history of acute rheumatic fever and/or the World Heart Federation criteria for echocardiographic diagnosis of RHD, and were propensity score-matched in a 1:4 ratio to patients with degenerative AS.

Results

Among 2329 patients undergoing TAVI, 105 (4.5%) had rheumatic AS. Compared with patients with degenerative AS, patients with rheumatic AS were more commonly female, older, had higher surgical risk and more commonly suffered from multivalvular heart disease. In the unmatched cohort, both technical success (85.7% vs 85.9%, p=0.887) and 1-year cardiovascular mortality (10.0% vs 8.6%; HR 1.16, 95% CI 0.61 to 2.18, p=0.656) were comparable between patients with rheumatic and degenerative AS. In contrast, patients with rheumatic AS had lower rates of 30-day and 1-year cardiovascular mortality compared with matched patients with degenerative AS (1.9% vs 8.9%, adjusted HR (HRadj) 0.18, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.80, p=0.024; and 10.0% vs 20.3%, HRadj 0.44, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.84, p=0.012, respectively).

Conclusion

TAVI may be a safe and effective treatment strategy for selected elderly patients with rheumatic AS.

Trial registration number

NCT01368250.

Impact of aortic valve replacement for severe aortic stenosis on organic and functional mitral regurgitation

AIMS

Concurrent mitral regurgitation (MR) influences treatment considerations in patients with severe aortic stenosis (sAS). Limited information exists regarding haemodynamic effects of sAS on MR severity and outcome of these patients. We assessed the impact of aortic valve replacement (AVR) on MR according to mechanism in patients with sAS and MR.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In patients with sAS who received surgical or transcatheter AVR from 2008 to 2017, those with effective mitral regurgitant orifice area (ERO) ≥ 10 mm2 prior to AVR were evaluated. The change in MR after AVR was considered significant when there was at least one grade difference. We compared the all-cause mortality of patients with and without improvement in MR. Of 234 patients with sAS and MR (age 80 ± 9 years, 52% male, ERO 19 ± 7 mm2 ), organic and functional MR were present in 166 (71%) and 68 (29%), respectively. MR improved in 136 (58%); improvement occurred with similar frequency in organic versus functional MR (59% and 57%, P = 0.88). Associated determinants were absence of atrial fibrillation in organic MR [odds ratio (OR) 2.09, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.00-4.37; P = 0.049] and indexed aortic valve area (iAVA) ≤ 0.40 cm2 in functional MR (OR 3.28, 95% CI 1.13-9.47; P = 0.028). In the overall cohort, mitral annulus diameter < 3 cm (OR 1.74, 95% CI 1.02-2.97; P = 0.041) and QRS duration < 115 ms (OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.00-2.98; P = 0.049) were independently associated with improvement in MR. During median follow-up of 3.5 years, lack of improvement in MR was not associated with higher mortality in the overall cohort of patients with ERO ≥ 20 mm2 [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 1.71, 95% CI 0.90-3.27; P = 0.10, adjusted for age, New York Heart Association III or IV, diabetes, and creatinine ≥ 2.0 mg/dL]. Lack of improvement in organic MR was associated with higher mortality (adjusted HR 3.36, 95% CI 1.40-8.05; P < 0.01). In patients with functional MR, change in MR was not associated with mortality (HR 1.24, 95% CI 0.44-3.47; P = 0.68).

CONCLUSIONS

In nearly 60% of patients with sAS and MR, MR improved after AVR, even in the majority of patients with organic MR. Absence of atrial fibrillation in organic MR, iAVA ≤ 0.40 cm2 in functional MR, and mitral annulus diameter < 3 cm and QRS duration < 115 ms in the overall population were associated with MR improvement. Post-operative improvement in organic MR was associated with better survival.

When Aortic Stenosis Is Not Alone: Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, Diagnosis and Management in Mixed and Combined Valvular Disease

Aortic stenosis (AS) may present frequently combined with other valvular diseases or mixed with aortic regurgitation, with peculiar physio-pathological and clinical implications. The hemodynamic interactions between AS in mixed or combined valve disease depend on the specific combination of valve lesions and may result in diagnostic pitfalls at echocardiography; other imaging modalities may be helpful. Indeed, diagnosis is challenging because several echocardiographic methods commonly used to assess stenosis or regurgitation have been validated only in patients with the single-valve disease. Moreover, in the developed world, patients with multiple valve diseases tend to be older and more fragile over time; also, when more than one valvular lesion needs to address the surgical risk rises together with the long-term risk of morbidity and mortality associated with multiple valve prostheses, and the likelihood and risk of reoperation. Therefore, when AS presents mixed or combined valve disease, the heart valve team must integrate various parameters into the diagnosis and management strategy, including suitability for single or multiple transcatheter valve procedures. This review aims to summarize the most critical pathophysiological mechanisms underlying AS when associated with mitral regurgitation, mitral stenosis, aortic regurgitation, and tricuspid regurgitation. We will focus on echocardiography, clinical implications, and the most important treatment strategies.

Clinical impact of mitral regurgitation in aortic valve stenosis: Insight from effective regurgitant orifice area

PURPOSE

Mechanisms leading to heart failure (HF) symptoms in aortic valve stenosis (AS) are contentious. We examined the impact of secondary mitral regurgitation (MR) on the symptomatic status in patients with AS.

METHODS

Outpatients performing echocardiography with any degree of AS, without organic mitral valve disease, mitral valve intervention, or aortic insufficiency were enrolled. MR was quantitatively defined through mitral effective regurgitant orifice area (EROA) using the proximal isovelocity surface area method. Patients were divided into two groups (New York Heart Association [NYHA] class I-II vs. NYHA class III-IV).

RESULTS

Five hundred and eighty-four patients were enrolled (484 NYHA I-II, 100 NYHA III-IV). More symptomatic patients had smaller aortic valve area (AVA), lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and stroke volume, higher E/E', and LV global afterload. MR was present in 178 (30%) patients and EROA was <.20 cm² in 158 (89%). NYHA III-IV patients showed higher prevalence of MR (78% vs 21%, P < 0.0001) and larger EROA (.13±.08 cm² vs .09±.07 cm² , P < 0.0001). An association between EROA and symptoms was present in the total cohort and in subgroups with preserved LVEF, AVA ≥ 1 and <1 cm² , EE' 8-14 and ≥14 (P < 0.05 for all). EROA was associated with severe symptoms after adjustment for LVEF, E/E', and AVA in the overall population (OR 1.10 [1.06-1.15]; P < 0.0001) and in the 516 patients with preserved LVEF (OR 1.13 [1.08-1.19]; P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

In patients with AS, greater EROA values are associated with HF symptoms, even though MR degree is far from the threshold of MR severity. Therefore, even a mild MR represents a supportive marker of HF symptoms presence.

The Prognosis of Baseline Mitral Regurgitation in Patients with Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

Mitral regurgitation (MR) is the most common valvular lesion in transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) recipients. This study aims to assess the long-term prognostic impact of baseline MR in TAVI patients.

METHODS

Adult patients who underwent TAVI were identified in the French National Hospital Discharge Database. All-cause and cardiovascular mortality, stroke, and rehospitalization with heart failure (HF) were compared in TAVI patients with and without baseline MR and tricuspid regurgitation (TR), respectively; the associations of MR and TR with the outcomes were assessed by Cox regression.

RESULTS

Baseline MR was identified in 8240 TAVI patients. Patients with baseline MR have higher yearly incidence of all-cause mortality (HR: 1.192, 95% confidence interval CI: 1.125-1.263), cardiovascular mortality (HR: 1.313, 95%CI: 1.210-1.425), and rehospitalization for heart failure (HF) (HR: 1.411, 95%CI: 1.340-1.486) compared to those without, except for stroke rate (HR: 0.988, 95%CI: 0.868-1.124). Neither baseline MR nor TR was an independent risk predictor for all-cause mortality or cardiovascular mortality in TAVI patients. Baseline MR was independently associated with rehospitalization for HF in TAVI patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Baseline MR and TR were associated with increased all-cause and cardiovascular mortality post-TAVI, however, neither of them was independent predictor for all-cause or cardiovascular mortality.

Relationship between Mitral Regurgitation and Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: a Multi-Institutional Follow-up Study

BACKGROUND

Mitral regurgitation (MR) is prevalent in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). There are some controversies about the prognostic impact of MR in survival of TAVI patients.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the relationship between TAVI and MR in a patient population from the Brazilian TAVI Registry.

METHODS

Seven hundred and ninety-five patients from the Brazilian TAVI Registry were divided at baseline, discharge, and follow-up according to their MR grade as follows: absent/mild (AMMR) or moderate/severe (MSMR). They were subsequently regrouped according to their immediate and late changes in MR severity after TAVI as follows: no change, improved, or worsened MR. Predictors and prognostic impact on baseline as well as changes in MR severity were analyzed. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

Baseline MSMR was present in 19.3% of patients and was a predictor of increased late mortality. Immediately after TAVI, 47.4 % of cases improved to AMMR, predicted by a higher Society of Thoracic Surgeons score and a higher grade of baseline aortic regurgitation. Upon follow-up, 9.2% of cases of AMMR worsened to MSMR, whereas 36.8% of cases of MSMR improved to AMMR. Lower baseline left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and improvement in LVEF at follow-up were predictors of MR improvement. Progressive worsening of MR upon follow-up was an independent predictor of higher late mortality after TAVI (p = 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

Baseline MSMR predicts late mortality after TAVI. Lower LVEF and improved LVEF at follow-up predict MR improvement after TAVI. Progressive worsening of MR severity at follow-up is an independent predictor of late mortality, which is a rare finding in the literature.

Clinical impact and evolution of mitral regurgitation after TAVI using the new generation self-expandable valves

BACKGROUND

Concomitant mitral regurgitation (MR) impaired prognosis in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). It has been suggested that the use of first generation self-expandable valve in patients with significant MR is associated with worse outcome as compared with balloon expandable valve. However, the impact of newer generation transcatheter devices on MR has not been investigated so far. We aim to assess the prognostic impact of MR in patients undergoing TAVI with the first-generation vs. the latest generation of self-expandable valves.

METHODS

We analyzed 2964 consecutive patients who underwent TAVI. Patients were classified into 4 groups according to the degree of baseline MR and the generation of self expandable valve implanted.

RESULTS

Of 1234 patients with moderate or severe MR, 817 were treated with first generation and 417 patients with second generation valves. Whereas, of 1730 patients with no or mild MR, 1130 were treated with first generation and 600 patients with second generation valves. Although, concomitant moderate-severe MR was found to be an independent predictor of mortality after TAVI, the use of newer generation self expandable valves was associated with higher survival rate at 1 year irrespective of the degree of preprocedural MR. At multivariable analysis the use of newer generation valve was associated with MR improvement throughout 1 year follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Baseline moderate-severe MR is associated with an increase in mortality after TAVI. However, the degree of preprocedural MR doesn't impact survival when a second generation self expandable valve is used.

Clinical Impact of Preprocedural Moderate or Severe Mitral Regurgitation on Outcomes After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

BACKGROUND

The influence of improved mitral regurgitation (MR) on the outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is unknown. Our aim was to determine the impact of significant preprocedural MR and the improvement of MR after TAVR.

METHODS

A population of 1587 patients from the Optimized Catheter Valvular Intervention Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (OCEAN-TAVI) registry were evaluated. Preprocedural MR was mild or less in 1443 patients (90.9%) and moderate or severe in 144 patients (9.1%).

RESULTS

Moderate or severe MR was associated with increased risk for all-cause mortality at 1 year (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.85; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.20-2.84; P = 0.005) and 2 years (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.15-2.34; P = 0.007). At 6 months after TAVR, the MR grade improved in 77.4% of the patients with moderate or severe baseline MR. Multivariate analysis showed that the absence of previous myocardial infarction (odds ratio, 8.00; 95% CI, 1.74-36.8; P = 0.008) and beta-blocker use at baseline (odds ratio, 2.71; 95% CI, 1.09-6.70; P = 0.031) were independently associated with improved MR at 6 months (vs unchanged, worsened MR, or death). Patients with improved MR had a significantly lower rate of midterm readmission for heart failure (11.6%) than those with unchanged or worsened MR (30.8%, P = 0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

Moderate or severe MR was associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality 2 years after TAVR. Moderate or severe baseline MR was improved in most patients at 6 months after TAVR. Patients with unchanged or worsened MR had an increased rate of readmission for heart failure.

Does the Presence of Significant Mitral Regurgitation prior to Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation for Aortic Stenosis Impact Mortality? – Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

Background: Mitral regurgitation (MR) is commonly encountered in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS). However, its independent impact on mortality in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has not been established. Methods: We performed a systematic search for studies reporting characteristics and outcome of patients with and without significant MR and/or adjusted mortality associated with MR post-TAVI. We conducted a meta-analysis of quantitative data. Results: Seventeen studies with 20,717 patients compared outcomes and group characteristics. Twenty-one studies with 32,257 patients reported adjusted odds of mortality associated with MR. Patients with MR were older, had a higher Society of Thoracic Surgeons score, lower left ventricular ejection fraction, a higher incidence of prior myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation, and a trend towards higher NYHA class III/IV, but had similar mean gradient, gender, and chronic kidney disease. The MR patients had a higher unadjusted short-term (RR = 1.46, 95% CI 1.30–1.65) and long-term mortality (RR = 1.40, 95% CI 1.18–1.65). However, 16 of 21 studies with 27,777 patients found no association between MR and mortality after adjusting for baseline variables. In greater than half of the patients (0.56, 95% CI 0.45–0.66) MR improved by at least one grade following TAVI. Conclusion: The patients with MR undergoing TAVI have a higher burden of risk factors which can independently impact mortality. There is a lack of robust evidence supporting an increased mortality in MR patients, after adjusting for other compounding variables. MR tends to improve in the majority of patients post-TAVI.

Higher preoperative left atrial volume index predicts lack of mitral regurgitation improvement after transcatheter aortic valve replacement

BACKGROUND

Moderate-to-severe mitral regurgitation is present in 20-35% of patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and the current literature lacks simple echocardiographic parameters, which can predict post-TAVR changes in mitral regurgitation. The aim of this study is to investigate the echocardiographic predictors of improvement or worsening of mitral regurgitation in patients undergoing TAVR with moderate-to-severe mitral regurgitation.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 113 patients who underwent TAVR with preoperative mitral regurgitation grade at least 2. Patients with concomitant coronary artery disease requiring treatment were excluded. Mitral regurgitation was related to the annular dilatation or tethering mechanism in all patients. Preoperative and postoperative echocardiographies were compared in terms of mitral regurgitation and other commonly measured parameters.

RESULTS

After TAVR, a reduction in mitral regurgitation was observed in 62.8% of cases. On the basis of the difference between postoperative and preoperative echocardiograms, 71 patients had improved mitral regurgitation, whereas 42 patients had stable or worsened mitral regurgitation. After analyzing preoperative echocardiographic parameters with regard to this group difference, left atrial volume index (LAVI) was the only variable that was different between groups (33.4 ± 4.8 ml/m in improved mitral regurgitation vs. 39.8 ± 3.0 ml/m in not improved mitral regurgitation, P < 0.001). In a multivariable logistic regression model, a LAVI increase was associated with lack of an acute reduction in mitral regurgitation (odds ratio = 1.41, P < 0.001) after adjustment for age and preoperative serum creatinine.

CONCLUSION

Higher preoperative LAVI is a determinant predictor of lack of an acute reduction in mitral regurgitation after TAVR, and LAVI could be used as a stratifying tool to tailor the treatment strategy and the timing of the procedures. However, validation of these results and long-term outcomes are warranted to support those conclusions.

Is There Currently a Place for Combined Mitral and Aortic Transcatheter Interventions?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The goal was to evaluate published data on the incidence, diagnosis, and management of symptomatic combined mitral and aortic valvular disease. Furthermore, to identify the role of treatment using contemporary transcatheter techniques.

RECENT FINDINGS

Up to a quarter of symptomatic adult valvular disease is caused by multiple left-sided valvular lesions. The etiologic spectrum of this combined disease has shifted from rheumatic to degenerative. Both presentation and diagnosis of lesions are modified compared with isolated disease. Based upon narrative review, there are only limited observational experiences, insufficient to provide robust guidance. These data, however, indicate the feasibility of interventions such as transcatheter aortic valve replacement and edge-to-edge mitral valve repair to treat such disease and mitigate the risks of open surgery. Combined aortic and mitral valve disease is commonly encountered. There is a role for transcatheter interventions based on limited data; however, more research is needed.

Does isolated mitral annular calcification in the absence of mitral valve disease affect clinical outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve replacement?

Aims 

Mitral annular calcification (MAC) has been associated with adverse outcomes in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) but has been investigated in isolation of co-existent mitral regurgitation or mitral stenosis, which may represent important confounders. This study sought to investigate the effect of MAC with and without concomitant mitral valve disease (MVD) on clinical outcomes in patients treated with TAVR.

Methods and results 

Computed tomography (CT) and echocardiographic data in consecutive TAVR patients enrolled into a prospective registry were categorized according to presence or absence of severe MAC and significant MVD, respectively. A total of 967 patients with adequate CT and echocardiography data were included between 2007 and 2017. Severe MAC was found in 172 patients (17.8%) and associated with MVD in 87 patients (50.6%). Compared to TAVR patients without severe MAC or MVD, all-cause mortality at 1 year was significantly increased among patients with severe MAC in combination with MVD [adjusted hazard ratio (HRadj): 1.97, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.12–3.44, P = 0.018] and patients with isolated MVD (HRadj: 2.33, 95% CI: 1.56–3.47, P &lt; 0.001), but not in patients with isolated severe MAC in the absence of MVD (HRadj: 0.52, 95% CI: 0.21–1.33, P = 0.173).

Conclusion 

We found no effect of isolated MAC on clinical outcomes following TAVR in patients with preserved mitral valve function. Patients with MVD had an increased risk of death at 1 year irrespective of MAC.

Mitral valve regurgitation in patients undergoing TAVI: Impact of severity and etiology on clinical outcome

BACKGROUND

Mitral regurgitation (MR) is frequently associated with severe aortic stenosis, but its influence on outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) remains controversial. This study sought to assess the baseline etiology and degree of MR in TAVI population, identify the predictors of MR changes and investigate the clinical and prognostic impact of baseline MR at mid and long-term follow-up.

METHODS

We enrolled 572 consecutive patients who underwent TAVI. MR degree and etiology were evaluated by echocardiography at baseline and 1-year follow-up. Clinical outcomes were obtained up to 3-year follow-up.

RESULTS

At baseline, 168 patients (29%) had moderate-to-severe MR (MR ≥ 2). Organic MR was more frequently associated with MR ≥ 2 (MR < 2: 20%, MR ≥ 2: 43%, p < 0.001). Relevant MR had improved more in functional MR (79%) compared to organic MR (50%, p = 0.001). At the multivariate analysis, the coexistence of coronary artery disease (p = 0.026), absence of atrial fibrillation (p = 0.038) and functional etiology (p = 0.025) were predictors of MR improvement after TAVI. Patients with baseline MR ≥ 2 had a higher mortality rate than those with MR < 2 at 1-year and 3-year follow-up. Moreover, a landmark analysis starting from 1-year to 3-year follow-up, demonstrated that organic MR was associated with an increased risk of mortality throughout 3-year follow-up compared with functional MR, irrespective of MR severity.

CONCLUSIONS

Baseline MR ≥ 2 in TAVI patients was associated with early and late mortality rate. At 1-year, significant improvement in MR severity was observed mainly in patients with functional MR ≥ 2. Organic MR ≥ 2 had a negative impact on 3-year, but not 1-year, mortality rate.

The predictive value of a modified Carpentier classification in patients with coincidental mitral regurgitation undergoing TAVI for severe aortic valve stenosis1

INTRODUCTION

Concomitant mitral-regurgitation (MR) is frequently observed in patients undergoing trans-catheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). The predictive value of MR etiology remains to be elucidated.

METHODS

600 patients with coincidental MR (≥moderate) undergoing TAVI were categorized according to a modified Carpentier classification [Groups: no/mild MR, n = 477; left atrial (LA) functional MR, n = 18; MR due to left ventricular dilatation, n = 29; degenerative MR, n = 50; MR with restricted leaflet motion n = 26]. MR improvement and patient outcome was compared among the groups in a retrospective analysis.

RESULTS

MR regression was most pronounced in patients with restricted leaflet motion after 6 months, although a significant improvement was observed in all subgroups. MR relief was predominantly observed within the first 30 days after TAVI. Only patients with restricted leaflet motion experienced further improvement thereafter.In the entire cohort a total of 15 strokes (2.5%) during the first 30 days after TAVI were observed, with the highest incidence in the LA functional cohort (3 events, 17%; p = 0.008). In multivariate analysis, organic etiology was associated with an increased 1-year mortality.In conclusion, despite significant MR regression in all MR groups, some individuals may require additional mitralvalve repair after TAVI. According to our data the timing of these procedures should be based on the underlying MR etiology. The Carpentier classification in patients with coincidental MR undergoing TAVI for severe AS may also have prognostic implications as we found an increased incidence of strokes in our LA functional cohort and a worse mortality rates in organic MR.

Evaluation of mitral regurgitation by an integrated 2D echocardiographic approach in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement

The purpose of this study was to evaluate mitral regurgitation (MR) severity in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) by standardized assessment of two-dimensional (2D) transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and 1-year echocardiographic and clinical outcomes. Pre- and post-procedural TTE's of patients undergoing TAVR between 2008 and 2014 were analyzed. MR was graded according to current guidelines with a systematic and integrated approach. Longitudinal echocardiographic and clinical results were analyzed. Regression analysis was performed for change in MR grade at follow-up, using pre-determined variables and confounders. Pre- and post-procedural TTE were available in 213 subjects. Significant MR was seen in 22% at baseline and 15% at follow-up; MR grade ≥ 3 in < 10%. Severity did not change in 61%, and decreased in 20% of the patients. Overall, the prevalence of MR grades pre- and post TAVR was not significantly different, nor influenced by MR etiology or TAVR prosthesis type. However, higher MR grades and pacemaker absence at baseline, were independently correlated to more improvement of MR after TAVR. Regarding clinical outcomes, NYHA class improved in two-thirds of the patients, irrespective of the baseline MR grade. Overall survival was not significantly different amongst MR grades post-TAVR. MR grading using an systematic 2D echocardiographic approach in patients undergoing TAVR is feasible in clinical practice. Our data revealed a relatively frequent prevalence of significant MR (although grade ≥ 3 was scarce), overall no change in the MR grade at 1 year follow-up, improvement of functional NYHA class, and no significant differences in long-term survival amongst the post-TAVR MR grades.

Relation Between Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Calcium and Mortality Following Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

Left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) calcium is known to be associated with adverse procedural outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), yet its effect on midterm outcomes has not been previously investigated. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of LVOT calcium on 2-year mortality after TAVI. A total of 537 consecutive patients underwent TAVI and 2 groups were established, stratified based on the severity of the LVOT calcium. The primary outcome was 2-year overall survival rate. The ≥moderate LVOT calcium group included 107 patients (19.9%) and the remaining 430 patients (80.1%) were included in the ≤mild LVOT calcium group. After a median follow-up of 717 days (interquartile range 484 to 828), the Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that the 2-year overall survival probability was significantly lower in the ≥moderate LVOT calcium group than in the ≤mild LVOT calcium group (log-rank p = 0.001). On a Cox hazard model, ≥moderate LVOT calcium was associated with increased all-cause mortality after TAVI (hazard ratio 1.74, p = 0.009). In the subgroup analysis, based on valve designs, SAPIEN 3-TAVI done in the setting of ≥moderate LVOT calcium had a relatively similar survival probability as those of ≤mild LVOT calcium (log-rank p = 0.18), which is in contrast with older generation valves (log-rank p = 0.001). In conclusion, patients with ≥moderate LVOT calcium were shown to have a lower survival probability in the midterm follow-up after TAVI, compared with those with ≤mild LVOT calcium. Patients with high-grade LVOT calcium should be monitored with longer-term follow-ups after TAVI.