Fate of Mitral Regurgitation After Transcatheter Closure of Atrial Septal Defect in Adults

Mitral regurgitation outcomes after transcatheter atrial septal defect closure

BACKGROUND

Worsening mitral regurgitation (MR) is a complication of intervention for atrial septal defect (ASD). Little is known about mitral valve (MV) characteristics associated with worsening MR. We aimed to elucidate MR outcomes and predictors of worsening MR after transcatheter ASD closure.

METHODS

We analyzed changes in MR from prior to transcatheter ASD closure to 6 months after the procedure and predictors of worsening MR via baseline transthoracic echocardiography in 238 patients (64.7% females; mean age, 53 ± 22 years).

RESULTS

Worsening MR was defined as worsening to moderate in patients with less than or equal to mild MR at baseline or vena contracta width increasing of ≥2 mm by 6-month follow-up in patients with moderate MR. Worsening MR was observed in 29 patients (12.2%). The associated echocardiographic findings were pseudoprolapse, hamstringing, stiffness, and anteroposterior and intercommissural mitral annulus diameter in the univariable logistic regression analysis (all P < 0.05). Multivariable analysis after adjusting for age; long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation; and ASD size showed that models combining MV leaflet findings such as pseudoprolapse or hamstringing, or anterior leaflet stiffness with the ratio of the sum of anterior and posterior leaflet lengths to intercommissural mitral annulus diameter were statistically significant for predicting worsening MR (R2 = 0.393, P < 0.001 and R2 = 0.385, P < 0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Worsening MR after transcatheter ASD closure might depend on MV leaflet findings and annulus size in patients with long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation.

Effectiveness and Safety of Transcatheter Atrial Septal Defect Closure in Adults with Systemic Essential Hypertension

Concomitant systemic essential hypertension (HTN) in adults with a secundum atrial septal defect (ASD) can unfavorably affect the hemodynamics and transcatheter ASD closure (ASDC) effects. This study aims to assess the effectiveness and safety of ASDC in adults with HTN in real-world clinical practice. Right ventricular (RV) reverse remodeling (RVR) and the lack of a left-to-right interatrial residual shunt (NoRS) in echocardiography 24 h and 6 months (6 M) post-ASDC, and ASDC-related complications within 6 M were evaluated in 184 adults: 79 with HTN (HTN+) and 105 without HTN (HTN−). Compared to HTN−, HTN+ patients were older and had a greater RV size and the prevalence of atrial arrhythmias, chronic heart failure, nonobstructive coronary artery disease, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction. ASDC was successful and resulted in RVR, NoRS, and a lack of ASDC-related complications in the majority of HTN+ patients both at 24 h and 6 M. HTN+ and HTN− did not differ in ASD size, a successful implantation rate (98.7% vs. 99%), RVR 24 h (46.8% vs. 46.7%) and 6 M (59.4% vs. 67.9%) post-ASDC, NoRS 24 h (79% vs. 81.5%) and 6 M (76.6% vs. 86.9%) post-ASDC, and the composite of RVR and NoRS at 6 M (43.8% vs. 57.1%). Most ASDC-related complications in HTN+ occurred within 24 h and were minor; however, major complications such as device embolization within 24 h and mitral regurgitation within 6 M were observed. No differences between HTN+ and HTN− were observed in the total (12.7% vs. 9.5%) and major (5.1% vs. 4.8%) complications. Transcatheter ASDC is effective and safe in adults with secundum ASD and concomitant HTN in real-world clinical practice; however, proper preprocedural management and regular long-term follow-up post-ASDC are required.

Mitral regurgitation detected during the intraoperative period after atrial septal defect closure: a case report

Background

Atrial septal defect (ASD) is a congenital cardiac defect often diagnosed in adult patients. Mitral regurgitation (MR) observed in ASD patients mostly improves after ASD closure. However, a subset of adult ASD patients present new-onset MR or aggravation of preexisting MR after ASD closure. Intraoperative MR aggravation after surgical ASD closure is a rare occurrence which has not been reported in the literature to date.

Case presentation

A 54-year-old woman was referred to our center due to large secundum ASD with a diameter of 17 mm which was incidentally detected on pre-operative echocardiography at a local clinic. Surgical repair of ASD under mini-thoracotomy was performed. After completion of the operation, intra-operative transesophageal echocardiography showed newly developed Grade II MR which subsequently deteriorated to severe level on postoperative day 3. Because the patient was asymptomatic, we decided to observe closely and treat conservatively with diuretics. Thereafter, echocardiography was evaluated on postoperative day 10 and MR disappeared to trivial level.

Conclusions

Intraoperative MR aggravation is a rare complication following ASD closure. The possibility of MR aggravation should be evaluated in all ASD patients prior to surgery. This case highlights the importance of mitral leaflet examination after ASD closure for early detection of MR.

Midterm follow-up of transthoracic device closure of an atrial septal defect using the very large domestic occluder (44-48 mm), a single Chinese cardiac center experience

Background

The purpose of this study was to outline the midterm follow-up results and complications in patients who underwent transthoracic device closure of an atrial septal defect (ASD) with the very large domestic occluder (44–48 mm).

Methods

The data of 35 patients who underwent transthoracic device closure of an ASD with the very large domestic occluder (44–48 mm) at our institution were collected prospectively between January 2010 and January 2015. All patients were invited for an outpatient visit and contrast TTE for 12–70 months after ASD closure.

Results

Thirty-four patients were occluded successfully under this approach and 1 patient was transferred for surgical repair for dislodgement of the occluder. The most frequent complication was transient cardiac arrhythmia. A new third degree atrioventricular block occurred in 1 patient who recovered 1 week later. During the follow-up period, we found no recurrence, no thrombosis, no device embolization, no device failure, and no cases of death. The total occlusion rate was 94.1% in the 12 months of follow-up, and the intracardiac structure and cardiac function were significant improved contemporaneously.

Conclusion

Transthoracic device closure of an atrial septal defect with the very large domestic occluder (44–48 mm) is a safe and feasible technique. However, long-term follow-up is required to better assess the safety and feasibility of this method for the closure of very large ASDs in patients.