Importance of mitral regurgitation inpatients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction: the Controlled Abciximab and Device Investigation to Lower Late Angioplasty Complications (CADILLAC) trial

Clinical outcomes among patients with mitral valve regurgitation undergoing Impella-supported high-risk PCI

BACKGROUND

Mitral valve regurgitation (MR) is associated with worse outcomes in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We sought to evaluate outcomes of Impella-supported high-risk PCI (HRPCI) patients according to MR severity.

METHODS

Patients from the PROTECT III study undergoing Impella-supported HRPCI were stratified into 4 groups according to MR severity: No or trace MR, mild MR, moderate MR, and severe MR. Immediate PCI-related complications, major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE: all-cause death, myocardial infarction, stroke/transient ischemic attack, and repeat revascularization) at 90 days and death at 1-year were assessed.

RESULTS

From March 2017 to March 2020, 631 patients who underwent Impella-supported HRPCI in the PROTECT III study had evaluable MR severity at baseline. Patients with severe MR had lower body mass indices, lower left ventricular ejection fractions (LVEFs), and were more frequently diagnosed with heart failure. The incidence of immediate PCI-related complications was similar between groups. Unadjusted 90-day MACCE and 1-year mortality rates were numerically higher in patients with severe MR compared to the other study groups yet without reaching statistical significance. In multivariable analyses, there was no significant association between the presence of severe MR for 90-day MACCE or 1-year mortality compared with other degrees of MR (adj. HR = 1.71, 95% CI [0.73, 3.98], p = 0.21; adj. HR = 1.79, 95% CI [0.86, 3.74], p = 0.12, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Impella-supported HRPCI patients with moderate or severe MR exhibited a higher prevalence of heart failure, lower LVEF, and longer hospital stays. Patients with severe MR showed numerically higher unadjusted rates of 90-day MACCE and 1-year mortality compared to other groups, however these differences did not reach statistical significance even after adjustment for potential confounders.

CLINICAL TRIAL INFORMATION

Trial Name: The Global cVAD Study (cVAD) ClinicalTrial.govIdentifier:NCT04136392 URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04136392?term=cvad&draw=2&rank=2.

Outcomes of mitral valve transcatheter edge-to-edge repair for patients with hemodynamic instability: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The outcomes after mitral valve transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (M-TEER) for the patients with severe mitral regurgitation (MR) in hemodynamically unstable conditions, such as cardiogenic shock, still remain unclear. We aimed to integrate previous publications regarding M-TEER indicated for life-threatening conditions and indirectly particularly compared the short-term outcomes thereof, with that of other treatments.

METHODS

We systematically searched the PubMed, Cochrane, and MEDLINE databases for studies from inception to June 2023, regarding M-TEER in patients with hemodynamic instability and severe MR. The primary outcomes analyzed included the in-hospital and 30-day mortality rates, and peri-procedural complications.

RESULTS

Of the initial 820 publications, we conducted a meta-analysis of a total of 25 studies. The relative risk of moderate-to-severe or severe MR was 0.13 (95 % confidence interval [CI]: 0.10-0.18, I2 = 45.2 %). The pooled in-hospital and 30-day mortality rates were 11.8 % (95 % CI: 8.7-15.9, I2 = 96.4 %) and 14.1 % (95 % CI: 10.9-18.3, I2 = 35.5 %), respectively. The 30-day mortality rate was statistically significantly correlated with the residual moderate-to-severe or severe MR, as per the meta-regression analysis (coefficient β = 3.48 [95 % CI: 0.99-5.97], p = 0.006). Regarding peri-procedural complications, the pooled rates of a stroke or transient ischemic attack, life-threatening or major bleeding, acute kidney injury, and peri-procedural mitral valve surgery were 2.3 % (95 % CI: 1.9-2.6), 7.6 % (95 % CI: 6.8-8.5), 32.9 % (95 % CI: 31.6-34.3), and 1.0 % (95 % CI: 0.8-1.3), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis demonstrates that the relatively higher rates of procedural complications were observed, nevertheless, M-TEER can potentially provide favorable short-term outcomes even in hemodynamically unstable patients.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42023468946.

Relationship between stress hyperglycemia and worsening heart failure in patients with significant secondary mitral regurgitation

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Secondary mitral regurgitation (sMR), a major valvular disease, is prevalent in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), and is associated with higher incidence of heart failure (HF) and mortality when present in combination with abnormal glucose metabolism. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between stress hyperglycemia ratio (SHR) and worsening HF in CAD patients with significant (grade ≥2) sMR.

METHODS

We performed a multi-center observational study of 874 participants with significant sMR following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the Cardiorenal Improvement-II (CIN-II) cohort. Patients with glucose and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) data at admission were included in the analysis, and categorized according to the SHR, the ratio of mmol/L blood glucose to % HbA1c, as quartiles: Q1: <0.74; Q2: 0.74-0.91; Q3: 0.91-1.14; and Q4: ≥1.14. The primary clinical endpoint was worsening HF and the secondary endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACE).

RESULTS

Of the 874 participants (64.1 ± 10.8 years, 80% male), 174 showed worsening HF and 226 developed MACE during a median follow-up of 3.7 years (interquartile range: 1.8-6.2 years). Compared to participants in the lowest quartile (Q1) of SHR, the highest quartile group (Q4) was at significantly higher risks of worsening HF (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.44; 95% confidence interval, 1.51-3.94; p< 0.001), while this was not associated with increased risk of MACE (p>0.05) after adjustment for potential covariates. For worsening HF, the results obtained for the normal glucose regulation subgroup may be more meaningful than those for the diabetes mellitus (DM) and pre-DM groups (p-interaction<0.001). For MACE, the acute myocardial infarction (AMI) (Q4 vs. Q1; HR: 0.65, 95%CI: 0.26-1.59) and non-AMI (Q4 vs. Q1; HR: 2.20, 95%CI: 1.36-3.54) subgroups differed significantly on MACE (p-interaction = 0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

Increasing SHR is associated with a higher risk of worsening of HF in patients with significant sMR, especially in those with normoglycemia.

Management of Severe Mitral Regurgitation in Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction: JACC Focus Seminar 2/5

Severe acute mitral regurgitation after myocardial infarction includes partial and complete papillary muscle rupture or functional mitral regurgitation. Although its incidence is <1%, mitral regurgitation after acute myocardial infarction frequently causes hemodynamic instability, pulmonary edema, and cardiogenic shock. Medical management has the worst prognosis, and mortality has not changed in decades. Surgery represents the gold standard, but it is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Recently, transcatheter interventions have opened a new door for management that may improve survival. Mechanical circulatory support restores vital organ perfusion and offers the opportunity for a steadier surgical repair. This review focuses on the diagnosis and the interventional management, both surgical and transcatheter, with a glance on future perspectives to enhance patient management and eventually decrease mortality.

Association between triglyceride glucose index and worsening heart failure in significant secondary mitral regurgitation following percutaneous coronary intervention

BACKGROUND

The triglyceride glucose (TyG) index is an alternative to insulin resistance (IR) as an early indicator of worsening heart failure (HF). Patients with secondary mitral regurgitation (sMR) often experience progressive deterioration of cardiac function. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the TyG index and worsening of HF in significant sMR (grade  ≥ 2) following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

METHODS

This study enrolled participants with significant sMR following PCI from a multicenter cohort study. The patients were divided into the following 3 groups according to tertiles of TyG index: T1, TyG ≤ 8.51; T2, TyG > 8.51 to ≤ 8.98; and T3, TyG > 8.98. The main clinical outcome was worsening HF including unplanned rehospitalization or unscheduled physician office/emergency department visit due to HF and unplanned mitral valve surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 922 patients (mean ± SD age, 64.1 ± 11.0 years; 79.6% male) were enrolled. The incidence of worsening HF was 15.5% in T1, 15.7% in T2, and 26.4% in T3. In the multivariable model, the highest TyG tertile (T3 group) was more strongly correlated with worsening HF than the lowest tertile (T1 group) after adjusting for confounders (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.44; 95% confidence interval, 1.59-3.72; P < 0.001). The addition of TyG to risk factors such as N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide and clinical models improved the predictive ability of TyG for worsening HF.

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated preprocedural TyG index is a significant and independent risk factor for worsening HF in sMR following PCI that can be used for risk stratification.

Percutaneous mitral valve repair in patients developing severe mitral regurgitation early after an acute myocardial infarction: A review

Acute mitral regurgitation (MR) may develop in the setting of an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) because of papillary muscle dysfunction or rupture. Severe acute MR in this scenario is a life-threatening complication associated with hemodynamic instability and pulmonary edema, and has been linked to a worse prognosis even after reperfusion. Patients treated solely with medical therapy have the highest mortality rates. Surgery has been the only treatment strategy until recently, but the results of the technique are hindered by high rates of morbidity and mortality. Therefore, the development of less invasive interventions for correcting MR would be ideal. We aimed to review the current role of transcatheter interventions in this clinical setting.

Mitral regurgitation quantified by CMR 4D-flow is associated with microvascular obstruction post reperfused ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

Objectives

Mitral regurgitation (MR) and microvascular obstruction (MVO) are common complications of myocardial infarction (MI). This study aimed to investigate the association between MR in ST-elevation MI (STEMI) subjects with MVO post-reperfusion. STEMI subjects undergoing primary percutaneous intervention were enrolled. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging was performed within 48-hours of initial presentation. 4D flow images of CMR were analysed using a retrospective valve tracking technique to quantify MR volume, and late gadolinium enhancement images of CMR to assess MVO.

Results

Among 69 patients in the study cohort, 41 had MVO (59%). Patients with MVO had lower left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) (42 ± 10% vs. 52 ± 8%, P < 0.01), higher end-systolic volume (98 ± 49 ml vs. 73 ± 28 ml, P < 0.001) and larger scar volume (26 ± 19% vs. 11 ± 9%, P < 0.001). Extent of MVO was associated with the degree of MR quantified by 4D flow (R = 0.54, P = 0.0003). In uni-variate regression analysis, investigating the association of CMR variables to the degree of acute MR, only the extent of MVO was associated (coefficient = 0.27, P = 0.001). The area under the curve for the presence of MVO was 0.66 (P = 0.01) for MR > 2.5 ml. We conclude that in patients with reperfused STEMI, the degree of acute MR is associated with the degree of MVO.

Ischemic mitral regurgitation: when should one intervene?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Optimal timing of intervention for ischemic mitral regurgitation remains to be elucidated. This review summarizes the data on the management of ischemic mitral regurgitation, and their implications on current practice and future research.

RECENT FINDINGS

Mechanistically, ischemic mitral regurgitation can present as Type I, Type IIIb or mixed Type I and IIIb disease. Severity of mitral regurgitation is typically quantified with echocardiography, either transthoracic or transesophageal echocardiography, but may also be assessed via cardiac MRI. In patients with moderate ischemic mitral regurgitation, revascularization can lead to left ventricular reverse remodeling in some. In patients with severe ischemic mitral regurgitation, mitral valve replacement may be associated with fewer adverse events related to heart failure and cardiovascular readmissions, compared with valve repair, although reverse remodeling may be better in patients following successful mitral repair. Transcatheter edge-to-edge repair also further complements the treatment of ischemic mitral regurgitation.

SUMMARY

A tailored approach to patients should be considered for each patient presenting with ischemic mitral regurgitation.

Mitral Regurgitation Following Acute Myocardial Infarction Treated by Percutaneous Coronary Intervention-Prevalence, Risk factors, and Predictors of Outcome

Mitral regurgitation (MR) following acute myocardial infarction (AMI) worsens prognosis and reports of prevalence vary significantly. The objective was to determine prevalence, risk factors, and outcomes related to MR following AMI. We identified 1000 consecutive patients admitted with AMI in 2016/17 treated by percutaneous coronary intervention with pre-discharge transthoracic echocardiography. MR was observed in 294 of 1000 (29%), graded as mild (n = 224 [76%]), moderate (n = 61 [21%]) and severe (n = 9 [3%]). Compared with patients without MR, patients with MR were older (70 ± 12 vs 63 ± 13 years; p <0.001), with worse left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (52 ± 15% vs 55 ± 11%; p <0.001) and creatinine clearance (69 ± 33 ml/min vs 90 ± 39 ml/min; p <0.001). They also had higher rates of hypertension (64% vs 55%; p = 0.012), heart failure (3.4% vs 1.1%; p = 0.014), previous MI (28% vs 20%; p = 0.005) and severe flow-limitation in the circumflex (50% vs 33%; p <0.001) or right coronary artery (51% vs 42%; p = 0.014). Prevalence and severity of MR were unaffected by AMI subtype. Revascularization later than 72 hours from symptom-onset was associated with increased likelihood of MR (33% vs 25%; p = 0.036) in patients with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). After a mean of 3.2 years, 56 of 288 (19%) patients with untreated MR died. Age and LVEF independently predicted mortality. The presence of even mild MR was associated with increased mortality (p = 0.029), despite accounting for confounders. In conclusion, MR is observed in over one-quarter of patients after AMI and associated with lower survival, even when mild. Prevalence and severity are independent of MI subtype, but MR was more common with delayed revascularization following NSTEMI.

Survival and Cardiovascular Outcomes of Patients With Secondary Mitral Regurgitation: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Importance

The outcomes of patients with left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR) are still controversial.

Objective

To clarify the role of SMR in the outcomes of patients with ischemic or idiopathic cardiomyopathies.

Data Sources

MEDLINE, ISI Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched for studies published up to March 2017.

Study Selection

Studies reporting data on outcomes in patients with SMR were included. Duplicate publication data, studies lacking data on SMR grade and its correlation with outcomes, mixed data on SMR and primary mitral regurgitation, studies not clearly reporting the outcome of interest, and studies with fewer than 100 patients were excluded. Of the initial 3820 articles identified, 1.4% were finally included.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

The study met PRISMA requirements. Two of us independently screened articles for fulfillment of inclusion criteria.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome, set after data collection, was the incidence of all-cause mortality in patients with and without SMR. Secondary outcomes included hospitalization for heart failure (HF), cardiac mortality, and a composite end point of death, HF hospitalization, and cardiac transplant.

Results

Fifty-three studies and 45 900 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The mean (SD) length of follow-up was 40.8 (22.2) months. In 26 of 36 studies reporting LV function by SMR grade, increasing SMR severity was associated with worse LV function. When SMR was categorized as present or absent, all-cause mortality was significantly higher in the patients with SMR (17 studies, 26 359 patients; risk ratio [RR],1.79; 95% CI, 1.47-2.18; P < .001, I2 = 85%); when SMR was qualitatively graded, the incidence of all-cause mortality was significantly increased in patients having any degree of SMR compared with patients not having SMR (21 studies, 21 081 patients; RR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.67-2.31; P < .001, I2 = 74%). Finally, when SMR was quantitatively graded, it remained associated with an increased all-cause mortality rate (9 studies, 3649 patients; RR, 1.97; 95% CI, 1.71-2.27; P < .001, I2 = 0%). Moreover, SMR was associated with an increased risk of hospitalization for HF (16 studies, 10 171 patients; RR, 2.26; 95% CI, 1.92-2.67; P < .001, I2 = 41%), cardiac mortality (12 studies, 11 896 patients; RR, 2.62; 95% CI, 1.87-3.69; P < .001, I2 = 74%), and death, HF, and transplant (11 studies, 8256 patients; RR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.33-1.99; P < .001, I2 = 78%).

Conclusions and Relevance

To our knowledge, this study is the first meta-analysis to date to demonstrate that SMR, even when mild, correlates with adverse outcomes in patients with ischemic or idiopathic cardiomyopathies. Because SMR is an intrinsic consequence of LV dysfunction, causality between SMR and mortality should not be implied.

Renin-angiotensin system inhibitors in patients with or without ischaemic mitral regurgitation after acute myocardial infarction

Objective

Little is known about the long-term effects of renin–angiotensin system inhibitors (RASI) on cardiovascular events in patients after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) with ischaemic mitral regurgitation (IMR). The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of RASI with the incidence of adverse cardiac events in patients with or without IMR after AMI.

Methods

We reviewed charts of 1208 consecutive patients admitted with AMI who underwent emergency coronary angiography between 2000 and 2012. After excluding patients who died within 30 days, 551 patients were diagnosed to have mild or greater MR by transthoracic echocardiography (patients with IMR); the remaining 505 patients had no or trivial MR (non-IMR patients).

Results

Of the study patients, 395 (72%) patients with IMR and 403 (80%) non-IMR patients received RASI. Survival analysis showed that freedom from cardiac death and the composite of cardiac death and heart failure (HF) was significantly higher in patients with IMR receiving RASI than in those not receiving RASI (P<0.001 and P<0.001, respectively). Moreover, adjusted survival analysis using the inverse probability treatment weighting method showed a significant association of RASI therapy with reduced cardiac death (P=0.010) and the composite of cardiac death and HF (P=0.044) in patients with IMR. However, in non-IMR patients, there were no significant associations between RASI therapy and the outcome measures.

Conclusions

RASI therapy was associated with a lower incidence of adverse cardiac events in patients with IMR after AMI, but not in patients without IMR.

Baseline mitral regurgitation predicts outcome in patients referred for dobutamine stress echocardiography

A number of parameters recorded during dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) are associated with worse outcome. However, the relative importance of baseline mitral regurgitation (MR) is unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated implications of functional MR with long-term mortality in a large cohort of patients referred for DSE. 6745 patients (mean age 64.9 ± 12.2 years) were studied. Demographic, baseline and peak DSE data were collected. All-cause mortality was retrospectively analyzed. DSE was successfully completed in all patients with no adverse outcomes. MR was present in 1019 (15.1%) patients. During a mean follow up of 5.1 ± 1.8 years, 1642 (24.3%) patients died and MR was significantly associated with increased all-cause mortality (p < 0.001). With Kaplan-Meier analysis, survival was significantly worse for patients with moderate and severe MR (p < 0.001). With multivariate Cox regression analysis, moderate and severe MR (HR 2.78; 95% CI 2.17-3.57 and HR 3.62; 95% CI 2.89-4.53, respectively) were independently associated with all-cause mortality. The addition of MR to C statistic models significantly improved discrimination. MR is associated with all-cause mortality and adds incremental prognostic information among patients referred for DSE. The presence of MR should be taken into account when evaluating the prognostic significance of DSE results.

Cardiovascular risk factors profile in patients with acute coronary syndrome with particular reference to left ventricular ejection fraction

Background

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) remains a leading cause of death in the United States. Numerous studies have shown that the degree of LV systolic dysfunction is a major if not the most important determinant of long-term outcome in ACS.

Objectives

To identify the most important risk factors and other clinical predictors which might have impact on left ventricular ejection fraction in patients with ACS.

Results

The total patients (299) admitted to our center from July, 2015 till December, 2015; with established diagnosis of ACS were classified in to two groups: Group I: 193 patients with impaired LVEF < 40% (64.5%), Group II: 106 patients with LVEF equal or > 40% (35.5%). The patients of group I were significant elderly compared to those of group II (60.9 ± 11.2 vs 56.9 ± 10.6; p = 0.002), had significant history of DM and CKD (66.3% and 31.1% VS 49.1% and 19.8%; p = 0.004 and 0.036 respectively), presented mainly with STEMI- ACS (51.3% VS 28.3% respectively; p < 0.001) with +v cardiac biomarker (troponin) (90.2% VS 66.0%; p < 0.001). Moreover, patients of group I had more significant ischemic MR compared to the patients of group II (24.9% VS 3.8% respectively; p < 0.001) with higher rate of LV thrombus discovered by echocardiography (25.4% VS 1.9%; p < 0.001). Extensive significant CAD disease was observed to be higher among patients of group I (69.4% VS 57.5%; p = 0.039) and those patients treated mainly with PCI revascularization therapy (68.9% VS 52.8%; p = 0.002) compared to patients of group II who mainly treated medically (34.9% VS 17.6 %; p < 0.001). Multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that DM (odd ratio (OR): 2.64, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.45-4.79, P = 0.01), presence of significant ischemic MR (OR: 13.7, 95% CI:2.84-66.1, p = 0.001)and presence of significantly diseased coronary vessels (odd ratio (OR): 5.06, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.14-22.6, P = 0.033,) all were independent predictors for significant LV dysfunction (LVEF < 40%) which predict poor outcome in ACS patients.

Conclusion

We concluded that DM, presence of significant ischemic MR, and increased number, severity of diseased coronaries all were independent predictors of LV dysfunction (LVEF < 40%) which is known to predict poor outcome. Identification of those risk predictors upon patient evaluation could be helpful to identify high risk-patients, in need of particular care, aggressive therapy and close follow-up to improve their poor outcome.

Prognostic Significance of Ischemic Mitral Regurgitation on Outcomes in Acute ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Managed by Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) has been associated with worse outcome myocardial infarction. However, severity of mitral regurgitation (MR) and its impact on patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains unknown. We sought to determine impact of increasing severity of IMR on outcomes in patients with STEMI undergoing primary PCI. All patients presenting with STEMI who underwent primary PCI within 12 hours of symptoms from 1994 to 2014 were included. IMR was graded from 0 to 4+ within 3 days of index myocardial infarction by echocardiography. Overall, 4,005 patients with STEMI were included. None, 1+, 2+, 3+, and 4+ MR were present in 3,200 (79.9%), 427 (10.7%), 260 (6.5%), 91 (2.3%), and 27 (0.7%) patients, respectively. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, more severe MR was associated with older age, female gender, lower body mass index, anemia, inferior STEMI, and longer door-to-balloon time. The 30-day mortality rates were 6.8%, 7.3%, 8.8%, 19.8%, and 26.1%, respectively, with increasing grade of MR. The 1-year mortality rates were 10.8%, 12.4%, 20.8%, 37.4%, and 37.1%, whereas 5-year mortality rates were 16.2%, 23.1%, 36.5%, 53.8%, and 63%, respectively (p <0.001 all), for none to 4+ MR. After adjusting for age, gender, co-morbidities, ejection fraction, and shock by multivariate analysis, severity of IMR was associated with incremental effect on long-term mortality (hazard ratios of 1.42, 1.83, 2.41, and 2.95 for 1+ to 4+ MR respectively, p <0.01 for all). In conclusion, higher grades of MR in patients with STEMI undergoing primary PCI are associated with worse short- and long-term outcomes.

Outcomes of ischaemic mitral regurgitation in anterior versus inferior ST elevation myocardial infarction

Background

Ischaemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) is a detrimental complication of ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Objective

We sought to determine patient characteristics and outcomes of patients with IMR with focus on anterior or inferior location of STEMI.

Methods

All patients presenting with STEMI complicated by IMR to our centre who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention within the first 12 hours of presentation from 1995 to 2014 were included. IMR was graded from 1+ to 4+ within 3 days of index myocardial infarction by echocardiography, divided into 2 groups based on infarct location and outcomes were compared.

Results

Overall, 805 patients were included. There were 302 (17.8%) patients with mitral regurgitation (MR) out of the 1700 patients with anterior STEMI while 503 (21.8%) had MR out of the 2305 patients with inferior STEMI. There was no significant difference between both groups in comorbidities, clinical presentation or door-to-balloon time (DBT; median 104 vs 106 min, p=0.5). 30-day and 1-year mortality were higher in anterior STEMI compared with inferior STEMI (14.9% vs 6.8% and 26.4% vs 14.3%, respectively, p<0.001 both), as well as 5-year mortality (39.7% vs 24.8%, p<0.01). When analysis was performed for each grade of IMR, anterior was associated with worse outcomes in every grade. On multivariate cox survival analysis, after adjustment for age, gender, comorbidities, grade of IMR, ejection fraction and DBT, anterior STEMI was still associated with worse outcomes (HR 1.62 (95% CI 1.23 to 2.12), p<0.001).

Conclusions

Although IMR occurs more frequently with inferior infarction, outcomes are worse following anterior infarction.

The Course of Ischemic Mitral Regurgitation in Acute Myocardial Infarction After Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Background—

Previously published evidence on ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) and its adverse prognosis after myocardial infarction has been based on the severity of IMR in the subacute or chronic period of myocardial infarction. However, the state of IMR can vary from the early stage to the chronic stage as a result of various responses of myocardium after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods and Results—

Standard echocardiography was serially performed in 546 consecutive patients with first-onset acute myocardial infarction (1) immediately after their arrival (pre-PCI), (2) before discharge (early post-PCI), and (3) 6 to 8 months after PCI (late post-PCI). The course of IMR after primary PCI and the prognostic impact of the IMR in each phase were investigated. IMR was found in 193/546 (35%) patients at the emergency room. In the acute phase after PCI, IMR improved in 63 patients. IMR worsened in 78 patients despite successful PCI. Shorter onset-to-reperfusion time and nontotal occlusion before PCI were the independent predictors of early improvement of IMR. In the chronic phase, IMR improved in 79 patients and worsened in 36 patients. Lower peak creatine kinase–myocardial band was an independent predictor of late improvement of IMR. IMR before PCI worsened 30-day prognosis ( P =0.02), and persistent IMR in the chronic phase worsened long-term prognosis ( P =0.04) after primary PCI.

Conclusions—

Degrees of IMR changed in the early and chronic phase after primary PCI for acute myocardial infarction. IMR on arrival and persistent IMR in the chronic phase worsened short-term and long-term prognosis after acute myocardial infarction, respectively.

Predictors and Prognostic Impact of Progressive Ischemic Mitral Regurgitation in Patients With Advanced Ischemic Cardiomyopathy

Background—

Ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) is associated with poor outcomes. It is unknown what factors contribute to progression of IMR and how progressive IMR affects outcomes. We sought to determine imaging predictors of IMR progression and to determine if progressive IMR is an independent predictor of survival in patients with advanced ischemic cardiomyopathy.

Methods and Results—

Consecutive advanced ischemic cardiomyopathy patients who underwent cardiac magnetic resonance and echocardiograms at baseline with echocardiographic follow-up were studied. Cardiac magnetic resonance was used to assess left ventricular volumes, infarct size, and mitral valve geometry. The effective regurgitant orifice area (EROA) was calculated from the proximal isovelocity surface area by echocardiography. Repeated measures mixed effects and Cox proportional hazards regression models were built to identify predictors of IMR progression and survival. We evaluated 336 patients (age, 62±11 years) over a median follow-up time of 54 months: 154 patients were subsequently revascularized, and 182 patients were medically treated. Ninety-eight patients (29%) demonstrated an increase in EROA values of ≥0.1 cm 2 . There were 87 adverse events (death or transplant). On multivariable analysis, infarct size ( P <0.001), progression in IMR ( P =0.008), age ( P =0.003), and baseline EROA ( P =0.010) were independently associated with adverse events. Independent predictors of IMR progression were as follows: baseline EROA ( P <0.001), left ventricular end–systolic volume index ( P =0.014), and total scar ( P =0.036).

Conclusions—

IMR frequently increases in severity, and progression is independently associated with adverse left ventricular remodeling and infarct size, as assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance. Furthermore, IMR progression is a powerful independent predictor of adverse events, even after controlling for the severity of IMR at baseline.

Acute Complications of Myocardial Infarction in the Current Era: Diagnosis and Management

Coronary heart disease is a major cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. The incidence of mechanical complications of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has gone down to less than 1% since the advent of percutaneous coronary intervention, but although mortality resulting from AMI has gone down in recent years, the burden remains high. Mechanical complications of AMI include cardiogenic shock, free wall rupture, ventricular septal rupture, acute mitral regurgitation, and right ventricular infarction. Detailed knowledge of the complications and their risk factors can help clinicians in making an early diagnosis. Prompt diagnosis with appropriate medical therapy and timely surgical intervention are necessary for favorable outcomes.

Impact of additive mitral valve surgery to coronary artery bypass grafting on mortality in patients with coronary artery disease and ischaemic mitral regurgitation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials and observational studies

Aims

Treatment of ischaemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) remains controversial. While IMR is associated with worse outcomes, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies provided conflicting evidence regarding the benefit of mitral valve replacement (MVR) or repair (MVr) in addition to coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). We conducted a meta-analysis incorporating data from published RCTs and observational studies comparing CABG vs. CABG + MVR/MVr.

Methods and results

We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Ovid, and Cochrane for RCTs and observational studies comparing CABG (Group 1) vs. CABG + MVR/MVr (Group 2). Outcome was 30-day and 1-year mortality after surgical intervention. Mantel-Haenszel odds ratio (OR) was calculated using random-effects meta-analysis for the outcome. Heterogeneity was assessed by I2 statistics. Four RCTs and 11 observational studies met the inclusion criteria (5781 patients, 507 in RCTs, 5274 in observational studies). Group 1 vs. 2 weighted mean left ventricular ejection fraction in RCTs and combined RCTs/observational studies was 41.5 ± 12.3 vs. 40.3 ± 10.4% ( P -value = 0.24) and 45.5 ± 7.2 vs. 38 ± 10% ( P -value < 0.001), respectively. In RCTs, there was no difference in 30-day [OR: 0.95, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.30-3.08, P = 0.94] or 1-year (OR: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.43-1.87, P = 0.78) mortality, respectively. For combined RCTs/observational studies, there was no difference in mortality at 30 days (OR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.43-1.04, P = 0.08) or at 1 year (OR: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.7-1.15, P = 0.39).

Conclusion

In a meta-analysis of RCTs and observational studies of IMR patients, the addition of MVR/MVr to CABG did not improve survival.

Short-Term and Long-Term Survival After Revascularization with or without Mitral Valve Surgery of Patients with Ischemic Mitral Valve Regurgitation: A Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND There is no consensus on whether mitral valve repair or replacement (MVRR) must be performed to treat ischemic mitral regurgitation (MVR) after myocardial infarction. Our objective in this study was to investigate the efficacy of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) combined with or without MVRR for the ischemic MVR. MATERIAL AND METHODS An article search was performed in OvidSP, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase. In these articles, researchers compared the efficacy of CABG with or without MVRR in treating patients with ischemic MVR after acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We performed a meta-analysis to compare the differences in the short-term and long-term survival rates of patients treated with CABG only and those treated with both CABG and MVRR. Secondary outcomes were compared with the preoperative and postoperative degree of MVR, left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and New York Heart Association (NYHA) class. RESULTS Out of the 1183 studies, we selected only 5 articles. A total of 3120 patients were enrolled; the CABG and MVRR group included 575 patients, while the CABG only group included 2545 patients. Long-term survival was higher in the CABG only group (hazard ratio [HR], 1.34; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.15-1.58, P=0.003). Hospital mortality was similar in both the groups (odds ratio [OR], 2.54; 95% CI, 0.65-9.95; P=0.18). No differences were found in the degree of residual MVR, the mean of LVESV, LVEF, or NYHA class. CONCLUSIONS In patients with ischemic MVR, the short-term survival rate was similar in both groups. Moreover, there was no significant improvement in the long-term survival rates of patients treated with both CAG and MVRR.

Prognostic importance of mitral regurgitation complicated by acute myocardial infarction during a 5-year follow-up period in the drug-eluting stent era

BACKGROUND

Mitral regurgitation (MR) is a frequent complication of left-ventricular dysfunction, with an incidence ranging from 13 to 59% after acute myocardial infarction (AMI), which is associated with poor clinical outcome. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical and angiographic characteristics associated with MR, the incidence and predictors of MR, and the outcomes of MR after AMI in those who were successfully treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using a drug-eluting stent.

METHODS

We analyzed a multicenter all-comer AMI registry and identified 4748 patients between January 2004 and December 2009. Of these, 1894 patients were treated with PCI using a drug-eluting stent and had MR. The association between MR and the composite of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE; all-cause death, recurrent nonfatal myocardial infarction, stroke, and any revascularization) was examined.

RESULTS

Patients with MR after the index PCI showed significantly higher cumulative incidence of MACCE compared with no-MR patients over the 5-year survival period (P=0.002). When the MR groups were compared on the basis of the severity of MR, ranging from mild to severe grades, a higher grade of MR was found to be associated with a higher incidence of MACCE (P<0.001). Multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis revealed that no reflow, left-ventricular ejection fraction less than 50%, and anemia, in addition to MR, were consistently associated with increased all-cause death during the 5-year period (adjusted hazard ratio 1.408, 95% confidence interval 1.052-1.884, P=0.021).

CONCLUSION

MR after AMI in patients successfully treated with primary PCI was associated with poor long-term outcome regardless of ST-segment elevation at diagnosis during the drug-eluting stent era.

Predicting ischemic mitral regurgitation in patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction: Does time to reperfusion really matter and what is the role of collateral circulation?

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Ischemic mitral regurgitation (MR) is an adverse prognostic factor. We aimed to assess the role of time delay from symptom onset to reperfusion, and the impact of collateral circulation to incidence of MR in relation to established echocardiographic and clinical risk factors.

METHODS

Patients with STEMI presenting within 12 h from symptom onset and treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) at Hospital of Lithuanian University of Health Sciences were enrolled. Echocardiography was performed after PPCI. Based on MR grade, patients were divided into no significant MR (NMR, grade 0-I MR, N = 102) and ischemic MR (IMR, grade ≥ 2 MR, N = 71) groups. Well-developed collaterals were defined as grade ≥ 2 by Rentrop classification. Continuous variables were compared by independent samples Student's T-test. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of ischemic MR.

RESULTS

Time to reperfusion, MI localization, TIMI flow before/after PCI was similar between the groups. IMR group patients were elder, more often females and non-smokers, had lower body mass index, higher prevalence of multi-vessel coronary artery disease (CAD), better-developed collateral supply, greater left ventricular end-diastolic diameter index, left atrial index, pulmonary artery systolic pressure and lower ejection fraction. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that ischemic MR is predicted by female gender, well-developed collateral supply, presence of multi-vessel CAD, and lower EF.

CONCLUSION

In acute STEMI significant MR is unrelated to ischemic time and is predicted by female gender, lower EF, multi-vessel CAD and well-developed collateral supply to the infarct region.

Physiological Implications of Myocardial Scar Structure

Once myocardium dies during a heart attack, it is replaced by scar tissue over the course of several weeks. The size, location, composition, structure, and mechanical properties of the healing scar are all critical determinants of the fate of patients who survive the initial infarction. While the central importance of scar structure in determining pump function and remodeling has long been recognized, it has proven remarkably difficult to design therapies that improve heart function or limit remodeling by modifying scar structure. Many exciting new therapies are under development, but predicting their long-term effects requires a detailed understanding of how infarct scar forms, how its properties impact left ventricular function and remodeling, and how changes in scar structure and properties feed back to affect not only heart mechanics but also electrical conduction, reflex hemodynamic compensations, and the ongoing process of scar formation itself. In this article, we outline the scar formation process following a myocardial infarction, discuss interpretation of standard measures of heart function in the setting of a healing infarct, then present implications of infarct scar geometry and structure for both mechanical and electrical function of the heart and summarize experiences to date with therapeutic interventions that aim to modify scar geometry and structure. One important conclusion that emerges from the studies reviewed here is that computational modeling is an essential tool for integrating the wealth of information required to understand this complex system and predict the impact of novel therapies on scar healing, heart function, and remodeling following myocardial infarction.

Repair or observe moderate ischemic mitral regurgitation during coronary artery bypass grafting? Prospective randomized multicenter data

Ischemic mitral regurgitation (MR) is a common occurrence following myocardial infarction and its presence is associated with poor outcomes. The optimal treatment of ischemic MR is a matter of debate, especially for patients with moderate MR severity. Some authors advocate for isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for patients with moderate MR, maintaining that reverse ventricular remodeling will reduce MR grade and its associated mortality risk, while others argue that a concomitant mitral valve repair (MVR) or replacement is superior. The Cardiothoracic Surgical Trials Network (CTSN) recently published the 1-year results of the Surgical Treatment of Moderate Ischemic Mitral Regurgitation study, a multicenter, randomized, controlled trial investigating the impact of MVR in addition to CABG compared to CABG alone in the treatment of moderate ischemic MR. Here, we have reviewed previous observational and prospective studies investigating moderate ischemic MR treatment as well as the results of the current CTSN randomized trial. Furthermore, we have summarized the current state of the available evidence and preview potential new information that will become available with planned subgroup analyses and further follow-up of enrolled patients in the recently completed CTSN trial.

Moderate mitral regurgitation at the time of coronary bypass surgery: repair or leave it?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Moderate ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) is a common finding in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). In this review, we summarize the current evidence on the optimal management of this condition.

RECENT FINDINGS

In recent years, several randomized clinical trials have assessed the impact of concomitant restrictive mitral annuloplasty at the time of CABG on reverse left ventricular remodeling, IMR reduction and clinical outcomes.

SUMMARY

Surgical revascularization alone is a conservative strategy that reduces IMR in a significant proportion of patients. Concomitant restrictive annuloplasty provides better relief of mitral regurgitation in the immediate postoperative period, at the cost of increased perioperative morbidity. The only major randomized trial on the issue of moderate IMR published to date showed no difference in reverse left ventricular remodeling at 1 year between these two approaches. There are insufficient data in the literature to support the routine addition of mitral valve repair to CABG in patients with moderate IMR.

Predictors and prognosis of early ischemic mitral regurgitation in the era of primary percutaneous coronary revascularisation

Background

Studies assessing ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) comprised of heterogeneous population and evaluated IMR in the subacute setting. The incidence of early IMR in the setting of primary PCI, its progression and clinical impact over time is still undetermined. We sought to determine the predictors and prognosis of early IMR after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Methods

Using our primary PCI database, we screened for patients who underwent ≥2 transthoracic echocardiograms early (1–3 days) and late (1 year) following primary PCI. The primary outcomes were: (1) major adverse events (MACE) including death, ischemic events, repeat hospitalization, re-vascularization and mitral repair or replacement (2) changes in quantitative echocardiographic assessments.

Results

From January 2006 to July 2012, we included 174 patients. Post-primary PCI IMR was absent in 95 patients (55%), mild in 60 (34%), and moderate to severe in 19 (11%). Early after primary PCI, IMR was independently predicted by an ischemic time > 540 min (OR: 2.92 [95% CI, 1.28 – 7.05]; p = 0.01), and female gender (OR: 3.06 [95% CI, 1.42 – 6.89]; p = 0.004). At a median follow-up of 366 days [34–582 days], IMR was documented in 44% of the entire cohort, with moderate to severe IMR accounting for 15%. During follow-up, MR regression (change ≥ 1 grade) was seen in 18% of patients. Moderate to severe IMR remained an independent predictor of MACE (HR: 2.58 [95% CI, 1.08 – 5.53]; p = 0.04).

Conclusions

After primary PCI, IMR is a frequent finding. Regression of early IMR during long-term follow-up is uncommon. Since moderate to severe IMR post-primary PCI appears to be correlated with worse outcomes, close follow-up is required.

Long-term prognostic value of mitral regurgitation in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction treated by primary percutaneous coronary intervention

The presence of mitral regurgitation (MR) is associated with an impaired prognosis in patients with ischemic heart disease. However, data with regard to the impact of this condition in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated by means of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) are lacking. Our aim was to assess the effect of MR in the long-term prognosis of patients with STEMI after PPCI. We analyzed a prospective registry of 1,868 patients (mean age 62 ± 13 years, 79.9% men) with STEMI treated by PPCI in our center from January 2006 to December 2010. Our primary outcome was the composite end point of all-cause mortality or admission due to heart failure during follow-up. After exclusions, 1,036 patients remained for the final analysis. Moderate or severe MR was detected in 119 patients (11.5%). Those with more severe MR were more frequently women (p <0.001), older (p <0.001), and with lower ejection fraction (p <0.001). After a median follow-up of 2.8 years (1.7 to 4.3), a total of 139 patients (13.4%) experienced our primary end point. There was an association between the unfavorable combined event and the degree of MR (p <0.001). After adjustment for relevant confounders, moderate or severe MR remained as an independent predictor of the combined primary end point (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 3.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.57 to 6.27) and each event separately (adjusted HR death 3.1, 95% CI 1.34 to 7.2; adjusted HR heart failure 3.3, 95% CI 1.16 to 9.4). In conclusion, moderate or severe MR detected early with echocardiography was independently associated with a worse long-term prognosis in patients with STEMI treated with PPCI.

Ischemic mitral regurgitation: pathophysiology, diagnosis and surgical treatment

Ischemic mitral valve regurgitation often complicates acute myocardial infarction and also represents a negative prognostic factor for long-term survival in patients undergoing surgical myocardial revascularization. While severe mitral regurgitation should always be corrected during a coronary artery bypass operation, the decision making is more difficult in patients with a mild-to-moderate degree of regurgitation. Recent studies and experimental protocols have elucidated the pathophysiological mechanisms leading to mitral regurgitation with great interest in annular modifications and subvalvular alterations. These data suggest that new and integrated surgical approaches that address annuloplasty ring sizing, ring type selection and tethering phenomenon (i.e., chordal cutting, 'edge-to-edge' technique and left-ventricular plasty techniques) are required for a safer and durable valve repair. Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography are useful in determining the etiology and the degree of mitral regurgitation, to assess mitral deformation and to measure indexes of global and regional left-ventricular remodeling. Stress echocardiography may unmask higher degrees of mitral regurgitation. More data are needed in order to confirm the promising and interesting preliminary experimental findings of magnetic resonance imaging in diagnosis and clinical evaluation of ischemic mitral regurgitation.

Mitral valve replacement versus annuloplasty for treating severe functional mitral regurgitation

OBJECTIVES

To improve the clinical outcome of patients with severe functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) associated with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM), we compared the therapeutic efficacy of mitral annuloplasty (MAP) with that of mitral valve replacement (MVR).

METHODS

In a retrospective observation 63 consecutive patients underwent mitral valve surgery for severe ICM-FMR from November 1999 to March 2012. All patients had severe FMR (regurgitant volume >60 ml/beat) with Carpentier type I and type IIIb disease. Mean RV was 74.0 ± 35.0 ml/beat and coaptation depth was 12.7 ± 3.0 mm. Twenty-six patients (41.3 %) were treated by MVR with sparing of the subvalvular apparatus and 37 (58.7 %) by MAP.

RESULTS

Total in-hospital mortality was 6.3 %. Kaplan-Meier survival estimates at 1 and 5 years were 84.2 and 78.6 % in the MVR group and 82.6 and 71.6 % in the MAP group, with no significant difference between groups (p = 0.758). Freedom from major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) at 5 years was 66.9 % for patients treated by MVR and 64.1 % for those treated by MAP (p = 0.866). At the last follow-up visit, >grade II MR had recurred in 4 annuloplasty patients (10.8 %). In multivariate analysis, independent predictors of increased late death and MACCE were significantly associated with residual pulmonary hypertension (late death: odds ratio = 25.0, p = 0.0009; MACCE: odds ratio = 31.3, p = 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Mitral valve replacement with sparing of the subvalvular apparatus is a safe and effective surgical alternative for patients with severe FMR.

Mild functional ischemic mitral regurgitation following acute coronary syndrome: a retrospective study

Background:

Ischemic mitral regurgitation is a frequent complication of acute coronary syndrome. It primarily occurs in patients with a prior myocardial infarction but also may be seen with acute ischemia, a setting in which the MR typically resolves after the ischemia resolves. The vast majority of patients have “functional” ischemic MR. In these individuals, the papillary muscles, chordae, and valve leaflets are normal. However, the leaflets do not coapt and restricted leaflet motion is frequently noted on echocardiography. Ischemic mitral regurgitation indicates a poor prognosis after acute myocardial infarction. This study addresses the clinical characteristics of patients of acute coronary syndrome with mild functional ischemic mitral regurgitation and its impact on immediate in-hospital cardiovascular outcomes and death.

Patients and Methods:

From March 2006 through May 2007, patients who underwent 2-dimensional (2D) color doppler echocardiographic quantification of ischemic mitral regurgitation within 10 days of admission for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in Manipal Teaching Hospital, a tertiary hospital in the western region of Nepal were noted. The demographic details, conventional risk factors of coronary artery disease, clinical and laboratory findings, treatment course and in-hospital outcomes of all the patients with mild functional ischemic MR following ACS in that time duration were recorded in a designated Performa. A total of 94 patients enrolled in the study were divided into two groups: Group I with mild functional ischemic MR and Group II without MR on 2D echocardigraphic assessment. Patient characteristics, risk factors, ejection fraction, and cardiovascular outcome and death among the two groups were compared and analyzed using software package SPSS 17.0 version.

Results:

Group I constituted 64.89% of the study population and Group II comprised of 35.11%. The patients in Group I was more likely to be elderly diabetic (P<0.05), and smokers with hypertension (P < 0.05). Mild functional ischemic MR was more common in patients with STEMI as compared to those with unstable angina and NSTEMI (55.7%, 36.1%, and 8.2%; P < 0.05).The mean ejection fraction in the first group was 54.84% in contrast to 58.92% observed in group II (P < 0.05).The type of wall involvement inferred from EKG analysis was homogeneously distributed in both the groups. Finally, there was no difference in immediate in-hospital (within 10 days) mortality or cardiovascular outcomes (heart failure, ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation, hypotension, and cardiogenic shock) between these two groups.

Conclusion:

Ischemic mitral regurgitation following acute coronary syndromeare more likely in elderly diabetics and hypertensive smokers. It is a more common finding in STEMI. Although mild MR following ACS does reduce ejection fraction, the immediate (within 10 days) in-hospital mortality and cardiovascular outcomes are not significantly altered.

Treatment strategies for acute coronary syndrome with severe mitral regurgitation and their effects on short- and long-term prognosis

Mitral regurgitation (MR) of even mild severity affects the prognosis of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The present study retrospectively analyzed 1,142 patients with ACS and MR of varying severity. Of the 95 patients with severe MR, 57 (60%) underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention only and 38 (40%) underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and mitral valve replacement (MVR). The severity of MR was significantly associated with the risk of heart failure but not with in-hospital or long-term mortality. In patients with severe MR, in-hospital mortality was no greater in those treated with CABG and MVR than in those treated with percutaneous coronary intervention alone. However, the incidence of long-term hard events (heart failure and all-cause mortality) was lower in those who had received the combined treatment. Multivariate analysis showed that, compared to percutaneous coronary intervention alone, CABG combined with MVR at the acute phase of ACS resulted in a significantly improved prognosis (odds ratio 0.172, 95% confidence interval 0.046 to 0.649, p = 0.009), even after adjusting for age, left ventricular filling pressure, and ejection fraction. In conclusion, the severity of MR in patients with ACS is associated with long-term heart failure events. Even at the acute phase of ACS, CABG combined with MVR results in an acceptable in-hospital mortality rate. The combined strategy also reduced the long-term hard events.

Incremental value of echocardiographic assessment beyond clinical evaluation for prediction of death and development of heart failure after high-risk myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

Echocardiographic measurements of left ventricular (LV) function, predominantly LV ejection fraction (LVEF), have been used to define risk in patients after myocardial infarction. However, the extent to which measures of LV structure and function provide incremental prognostic value over clinical variables in survivors of high-risk myocardial infarction has not been well defined.

METHODS

Predictors of death and development of heart failure were assessed in 603 patients from the Valsartan in Acute Myocardial Infarction (VALIANT) echocardiographic substudy. We used multivariable proportional hazards models to assess the individual predictive value of echocardiographic measures including left ventricular mass index, LVEF, LV volumes, left atrial volume index, right ventricular fractional area change, mitral regurgitation, and deceleration time. We adjusted for the 11 clinical variables found previously to be most associated with all-cause mortality in this cohort. Receiver operating characteristic curves obtained via binary response regression were used to assess the incremental predictive value of echocardiographic measures in predicting outcomes of death and hospital stay for heart failure.

RESULTS

Each echocardiographic measure was independently associated with outcome of death or development of heart failure (all P < .002). Left ventricular ejection fraction alone added minimal prognostic value to the clinical assessment, yet adding additional echocardiographic assessments to a multivariable model improved in predicting 17-month survival free of heart failure significantly, increasing the c-statistic from 0.74 to 0.84 (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Echocardiographic measures of cardiac structure and function beyond LVEF provide important prognostic information beyond the clinical assessment.

Primary percutaneous coronary intervention lowers the incidence of ischemic mitral regurgitation in patients with acute ST-elevated myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

The impact of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute ST-elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) on the incidence of ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) is unclear.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Between January 2000 and December 2004, 318 patients presenting with first acute STEMI were enrolled in this study. Two hundred and twelve (66.67%) patients received PCI (PCI group), and 106 age- and Killip class-matched patients received medical management (non-PCI group). The median duration of follow up was 40.46 months. Compared to the non-PCI group, the PCI group had 14.6% (9.9% vs 24.5%) fewer patients with moderate or severe IMR (P<0.001). Univariate analysis demonstrated IMR was significantly associated with advanced age, higher Killip score, and posterior myocardial infarction (MI). Moreover, IMR was strongly associated with a lower left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction, larger left atrial dimension (LAd), and a larger LV end-systolic and LV end-diastolic volumes (LVEDV) (all P<0.01). Multivariate analysis revealed the odds of IMR in the PCI group was 0.208 times those of the non-PCI group (P<0.001). Additionally, moderate or severe IMR was independently correlated with advanced age, inferior MI, Killip class ≥3, larger LAd, and larger LVEDV (all P<0.05). Furthermore, long-term survival time was longer in the PCI group without IMR than in the non-PCI group with IMR (all P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

PCI for first acute STEMI was associated with lower incidence of IMR. Advanced age, inferior MI, Killip class ≥3, larger LAd and LVEDV were risk factors associated with IMR development.

Long-term prognostic value of mitral regurgitation in acute coronary syndromes

Objectives

To determine the additional prognostic value of mitral regurgitation (MR) over B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and clinical characteristics in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS).

Design

Long-term follow-up in a prospective ACS cohort with Doppler-assessed MR, echocardiographically-determined LVEF and plasma BNP levels by ELISA.

Setting

Single-centre university hospital.

Patients

725 patients with ACS.

Main outcome measures

Death and readmission for congestive heart failure.

Results

During a median follow-up of 98 months, 235 patients (32%) died. Significant MR (grade >1 of 4) was found in 90 patients (12%). In a multivariate model including MR grade >1, LVEF <0.40 and BNP >373 pg/ml (75th percentile), MR was significantly associated with long-term mortality (HR 2.28, 95% CI 1.67 to 3.12; p<0.0001). When also adjusting for conventional risk factors, MR remained significantly associated with mortality (HR 1.53, 95% CI 1.06 to 2.19; p=0.02), as well as with congestive heart failure (HR 2.08, 95% CI 1.29 to 3.35; p=0.003).

Conclusions

MR is common in patients with ACS, provides independent risk information and should be taken into account in the evaluation of the long-term prognosis.