Prospective validation of the prognostic usefulness of B-type natriuretic peptide in asymptomatic patients with chronic severe aortic regurgitation

2024 CSANZ Position Statement on Indications, Assessment and Monitoring of Structural and Valvular Heart Disease With Transthoracic Echocardiography in Adults

Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is the most widely available and utilised imaging modality for the screening, diagnosis, and serial monitoring of all abnormalities related to cardiac structure or function. The primary objectives of this document are to provide (1) a guiding framework for treating clinicians of the acceptable indications for the initial and serial TTE assessments of the commonly encountered cardiovascular conditions in adults, and (2) the minimum required standard for TTE examinations and reporting for imaging service providers. The main areas covered within this Position Statement pertain to the TTE assessment of the left and right ventricles, valvular heart diseases, pericardial diseases, aortic diseases, infective endocarditis, cardiac masses, pulmonary hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases associated with cancer treatments or cardio-oncology. Facilitating the optimal use and performance of high quality TTEs will prevent the over or under-utilisation of this resource and unnecessary downstream testing due to suboptimal or incomplete studies.

Aortic Regurgitation: From Valvular to Myocardial Dysfunction

Chronic aortic regurgitation (AR) leads to volume overload in the left ventricle (LV), which is well tolerated for years. In this condition, the LV usually dilates with minimal reduction in the ejection fraction (EF), even in the absence of symptoms. Echocardiography is the primary imaging test used to quantify AR. However, no single assessment of Doppler measures is accurate and precise in individual patients; therefore, the integration of multiple parameters is necessary. Recent guidelines recommend surgical treatment for severe AR in patients who are symptomatic or have an LVEF < 55% and an end-systolic diameter > 50 mm. Nevertheless, advances in imaging technology have improved the quantification of AR and the assessment of LV subclinical dysfunction. It is widely recognized that patients who undergo aortic valve replacement/repair (AVR) due to symptoms or a low LVEF experience worse outcomes than those undergoing AVR for non-Class I indications. In fact, subclinical irreversible myocardial damage may occur in clinically well-compensated and closely monitored patients while awaiting formal surgical indications. This condition could be prevented by the use of multimodal imaging parameters, in particular longitudinal LV strain and magnetic resonance imaging. In addition, better cut-off values for mortality predictors should be established. This review aims to identify simple models that integrate several echocardiographic and cardiac magnetic resonance-derived parameters to predict the optimal timing of surgical treatment in asymptomatic patients with chronic severe AR.

Rationale and design of the ELEANOR trial early aortic valve surgery versus watchful waiting strategy in severe asymptomatic aortic regurgitation, ACRONYM: ELEANOR

Background

The optimal treatment of patients with severe symptomatic aortic regurgitation (AR) is state-of-the-art surgery. Asymptomatic patients with advanced left ventricular (LV) dilatation and/or impaired ejection fraction should undergo surgical treatment, but there is no guidelines consensus on cut-off values for this recommendation. Multimodality imaging has brought new tools for the accurate selection of asymptomatic patients at risk of early clinical deterioration, however, prospective and randomized data are pending. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR)-derived AR quantification along with LV remodeling assessment appears to be the most accurate tool for a selection of such patients at risk.

Trial design

The objective of our prospective and multicenter study is to determine whether patients at risk of early clinical deterioration as per CMR assessment will benefit from early surgical treatment. The study is designed as a superiority trial to demonstrate that early surgical treatment is safe and more effective than the standard treatment. A total of 217 asymptomatic patients with severe AR, but without current guidelines-based surgical indication, will be enrolled across all centers. We expect 24 % of patients identified as high clinical risk and therefore eligible for 1:1 randomization to early surgical treatment within 3 months or a watchful waiting strategy. Follow-up will be annual. We expect a complete restoration of LV size and function along with improved quality of life and physical performance in a short-term follow-up of 12 months. The primary endpoint will be a composite safety and efficacy with all criteria mandatory: 15 % or larger reduction of baseline CMR-derived LV end-diastolic volume index, LV ejection fraction >50 %, and no major adverse cardiovascular events. The annual follow-up will continue for a minimum of 4 years until the required number of endpoints is achieved to show a statistically significant difference in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in early surgically treated patients.

Conclusion

The ELEANOR trial is the first multicenter randomized controlled study to compare early surgical treatment with a watchful waiting strategy in asymptomatic patients with chronic severe AR at high risk of early clinical deterioration as per CMR assessment but without guidelines-based indications for surgical treatment.

Imaging Methods for Evaluation of Chronic Aortic Regurgitation in Adults: JACC State-of-the-Art Review

A global multidisciplinary workshop was convened to discuss the multimodality diagnostic evaluation of aortic regurgitation (AR). Specifically, the focus was on assessment tools for AR severity and analyzing evolving data on the optimal timing of aortic valve intervention. The key concepts from this expert panel are summarized as: 1) echocardiography is the primary imaging modality for assessment of AR severity; however, when data is incongruent or incomplete, cardiac magnetic resonance may be helpful; 2) assessment of left ventricular size and function is crucial in determining the timing of intervention; 3) recent evidence suggests current cutpoints for intervention in asymptomatic severe AR patients requires further scrutiny; 4) left ventricular end-systolic volume index has emerged as an additional parameter that has promise in guiding timing of intervention; and 5) the role of additional factors (including global longitudinal strain, regurgitant fraction, and myocardial extracellular volume) is worthy of future investigation.

Aortic Regurgitation: Review of the Diagnostic Criteria and the Management Guidelines

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The evaluation of aortic regurgitation (AR) has advanced from physical examination and angiography towards evidence based non-invasive quantitative methods, primarily with echocardiography and more recently with cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). This review highlights the guidelines and recent evidence in the diagnosis and management of AR; and outlines future areas of research.

RECENT FINDINGS

Contemporary large cohorts of AR patients studied with echocardiography and CMR suggest that the left ventricular remodeling and systolic function triggers for intervention may be lower than previously recommended in the guidelines and emphasize the importance of LV volumes in risk stratification. Important gaps of knowledge in the quantitation of AR severity and patient risk stratification were fulfilled recently. Potential thresholds for intervention using ventricular volumes and CMR quantitative findings were recently described. The criteria for what constitutes hemodynamically significant AR and the optimal timing of intervention AR deserve further study.

Assessment of cardio-renal-hepatic function in patients with valvular heart disease: a multi-biomarker approach-the cardio-renal-hepatic score

BACKGROUND

Valvular heart disease (VHD) can cause damage to extra-cardiac organs, and lead to multi-organ dysfunction. However, little is known about the cardio-renal-hepatic co-dysfunction, as well as its prognostic implications in patients with VHD. The study sought to develop a multi-biomarker index to assess heart, kidney, and liver function in an integrative fashion, and investigate the prognostic role of cardio-renal-hepatic function in VHD.

METHODS

Using a large, contemporary, prospective cohort of 6004 patients with VHD, the study developed a multi-biomarker score for predicting all-cause mortality based on biomarkers reflecting heart, kidney, and liver function (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide [NT-proBNP], creatinine, and albumin). The score was externally validated in another contemporary, prospective cohort of 3156 patients with VHD.

RESULTS

During a median follow up of 731 (704-748) days, 594 (9.9%) deaths occurred. Increasing levels of NT-proBNP, creatinine, and albumin were independently and monotonically associated with mortality, and a weighted multi-biomarker index, named the cardio-renal-hepatic (CRH) score, was developed based on Cox regression coefficients of these biomarkers. The CRH score was a strong and independent predictor of mortality, with 1-point increase carrying over two times of mortality risk (overall adjusted hazard ratio [95% confidence interval]: 2.095 [1.891-2.320], P < 0.001). The score provided complementary prognostic information beyond conventional risk factors (C index: 0.78 vs 0.81; overall net reclassification improvement index [95% confidence interval]: 0.255 [0.204-0.299]; likelihood ratio test P < 0.001), and was identified as the most important predictor of mortality by the proportion of explainable log-likelihood ratio χ² statistics, the best subset analysis, as well as the random survival forest analysis in most types of VHD. The predictive performance of the score was also demonstrated in patients under conservative treatment, with normal left ventricular systolic function, or with primary VHD. It achieved satisfactory discrimination (C index: 0.78 and 0.72) and calibration in both derivation and validation cohorts.

CONCLUSIONS

A multi-biomarker index was developed to assess cardio-renal-hepatic function in patients with VHD. The cardio-renal-hepatic co-dysfunction is a powerful predictor of mortality and should be considered in clinical management decisions.

Aortic Regurgitation and Heart Failure: Advances in Diagnosis, Management, and Interventions

This review discusses the contemporary clinical evaluation and management of patients with comorbid aortic regurgitation (AR) and heart failure (HF) (AR-HF). Importantly, as clinical HF exists along the spectrum of AR severity, the present review also details novel strategies to detect early signs of HF before the clinical syndrome ensues. Indeed, there may be a vulnerable cohort of AR patients who benefit from early detection and management of HF. Additionally, while the mainstay of operative management for AR has historically been surgical aortic valve replacement, this review discusses alternate procedures that may be beneficial in high-risk cohorts.

Prognostic utility of N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide ratio in mixed aortic valve disease

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to assess the incremental prognostic value of N-terminal-pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (Nt-proBNP) for risk stratification in mixed aortic valve disease (MAVD) patients.

METHODS

We included 556 (73±12 years, 37% women) consecutive patients with at least a moderate aortic stenosis (AS) or aortic regurgitation (AR) lesion with a concomitant AS or AR of any severity in whom Nt-proBNP was measured and expressed as its ratio (measured Nt-proBNP divided by the upper limit of normal Nt-proBNP for age and sex). The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

Baseline median Nt-proBNP ratio was 3.8 (IQR: 1.5-11.3), and the median follow-up was 5.6 years (4.8-6.1). Early aortic valve replacement (AVR) was performed within 3 months in 423 (76%) patients, while 133 (24%) remained initially under medical treatment. In comprehensive multivariable analyses, Nt-proBNP ratio was significantly associated with excess mortality (continuous variable: HR (95% CI): 1.24 (1.04 to 1.47), p=0.02; Nt-proBNP ratio ≥3: 2.41 (1.33 to 4.39), p=0.004). The independent prognostic value was also observed in patients with severe or non-severe AS/AR, and those treated by early-AVR (all p<0.04). Nt-proBNP ratio as continuous and dichotomic (≥3) variables showed incremental prognostic value (all net reclassification index >0.42, all p≤0.008). After early-AVR, Nt-proBNP ratio ≥3 was associated with higher 30-day mortality (9 (4%) vs 1 (0.5%), p=0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

In this series of MAVD patients, Nt-proBNP ratio was a powerful predictor of early and long-term mortality, even in patients with both non-severe AS/AR. Moreover, early-AVR may be an option for patients with Nt-proBNP ratio ≥3. Further randomised studies are needed to validate this last point.

Raphal Cord Rupture: A Rare Mechanism of Aortic Regurgitation in Bicuspid Aortic Valve

A 70-year-old male with chronic aortic regurgitation was referred with abrupt worsening heart failure. Late referral markers were pulmonary hypertension, mitral regurgitation, and tricuspid regurgitation. Evaluation revealed rupture of a raphal cord or fenestrated raphe from the conjoined cusp of a congenitally bicuspid aortic valve, a rare mechanism of aortic regurgitation. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.).

Multiparametric Strategy to Predict Early Disease Decompensation in Asymptomatic Severe Aortic Regurgitation

BACKGROUND

Use of the current echocardiography-based indications for aortic regurgitation (AR) surgery might result in late valve replacement at the stage of irreversible myocardial damage. Therefore, we aimed to identify simple models combining multiple echocardiography or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-derived indices and natriuretic peptides (BNP [brain natriuretic peptide] or NT-proBNP [N-terminnal pro-B type natriuretic peptide]) to predict early disease decompensation in asymptomatic severe AR.

METHODS

This prospective and multicenter study included asymptomatic patients with severe AR, preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (>50%), and sinus rhythm. The echocardiography and MRI images were analyzed centrally in the CoreLab. The study end point was the onset of indication for aortic valve surgery as per current guidelines.

RESULTS

The derivative cohort consisted of 127 asymptomatic patients (age 45±14 years, 84% males) with 41 (32%) end points during a median follow-up of 1375 (interquartile range, 1041-1783) days. In multivariable Cox regression analysis, age, BNP, 3-dimensional vena contracta area, MRI left ventricular end-diastolic volume index, regurgitant volume, and a fraction were identified as independent predictors of end point (all P<0.05). However, a combined model including one parameter of AR assessment (MRI regurgitant volume or regurgitant fraction or 3-dimensional vena contracta area), 1 parameter of left ventricular remodeling (MRI left ventricular end-diastolic volume index or echocardiography 2-dimensional global longitudinal strain or E wave), and BNP showed significantly higher predictive accuracy (area under the curve, 0.74-0.81) than any parameter alone (area under the curve, 0.61-0.72). These findings were confirmed in the validation cohort (n=100 patients, 38 end points).

CONCLUSIONS

In asymptomatic severe AR, multimodality and multiparametric model combining 2 imaging indices with natriuretic peptides, showed high accuracy to identify early disease decompensation. Further prospective studies are warranted to explore the clinical benefit of implementing these models to guide patient management.

REGISTRATION

URL: https://www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov; Unique identifier: NCT02910349.

Predictors of heart failure and all-cause mortality in asymptomatic patients with moderate and severe aortic regurgitation

BACKGROUND

Class I indications for aortic valve replacement (AVR) for severe chronic aortic regurgitation (AR) include AR attributable symptoms or left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction <50%. As noninvasive estimates of elevated LV filling pressures (LVFP's) have been noted to predict heart failure (HF) readmission and all-cause mortality (ACM) in HF patients, we hypothesize that elevated LVFP's may also be independent predictors of HF and ACM in chronic AR.

METHODS

We developed a single center patient database of moderate or greater AR diagnoses between 2003 and 2008 and followed each patient through January 2013. We included patients with >30 days follow-up with interpretable Doppler-echocardiograms. We recorded demographic variables, EuroScore II, incident HF and ACM, and Doppler-echo variables of LV size, systolic and diastolic function.

RESULTS

Patients with severe AR (105 patients) and moderate AR (201 patients) had similar EuroScore II values and similar incident HF and ACM. For the 180 patients who developed HF, effective arterial elastance (aHR = 1.70 (1.01-2.83), p = .041), LV end-diastolic dimension (aHR = 1.83, (1.11-3.03), p = .0176), E/e' (aHR = 3.04, (1.83-5.05), p < .0001), eccentric hypertrophy (EH) (aHR = 2.39, (1.62-5.12), p = .0004), and tricuspid regurgitation (TR) velocity (aHR = 5.75, (3.70-10.36), p < .0001) were independent predictors. For the 118 patients with ACM, EH (aHR = 1.73, (1.02-3.28), p = .0414), systolic blood pressure (aHR = .58, (.33-.95), p = .0301), left atrial volume index (aHR = 1.82, (1.06-3.06), p = .0293), E/e' (aHR = 1.83, (1.07-3.08), p = .0280), and TR velocity (aHR = 4.14, (2.22-6.49), p < .0001) were independent predictors.

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated TR velocity and EH were strong markers of HF and ACM in patients with asymptomatic severe AR and in moderate AR.

Automated Global Longitudinal Strain Exhibits a Robust Association with Death in Asymptomatic Chronic Aortic Regurgitation

BACKGROUND

Whether automated left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) is associated with outcomes in asymptomatic aortic regurgitation (AR) is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the impact of automated LVGLS on survival and compare it with conventional LV parameters in chronic asymptomatic AR.

METHODS

LVGLS (presented as absolute value) was measured using fully-automated two-dimensional strain software in consecutive patients with isolated chronic ≥moderate-severe AR between 2004 and 2020; incremental value of LVGLS was assessed. Limited correction of endocardial border tracking was performed if needed.

RESULTS

Of 550 asymptomatic patients (age 60±17 years; 86% men), average LVGLS was 17±3% (1^st and 2^nd tertile, 15.8% and 18.5%). In 16% cases, tracking border was partially corrected; average time for analysis was 25±5 seconds. At a median (interquartile range) of 4.8(1.5-9.9) years, 87 patients had died (19 died after aortic-valve surgery [AVS]). Separate multivariable models adjusted for age, sex, Charlson index, AR severity and time-dependent AVS demonstrated that LVEF(hazard ratio[HR] per 10%: 0.9), LV end-systolic volume index(LVESVi; HR per 5ml/m²: 1.08) and LVGLS(HR per unit: 0.87) were independently associated with death(all p≤0.018); however, LVGLS remained statistically significant (HR: 0.86-0.9; P≤0.007) as compared head-to-head to LVEF, LVESVi and LV end-systolic dimension index(LVESDi). The association of LVGLS and mortality was consistent across all subgroups (P for interaction all≥0.08). Spline curves showed that continuous risk of death rose at LVGLS <15%. Those with LVGLS <15% had 2.6-fold risk of death [95% CI 1.54-4.23] while those with LVGLS <15% plus LVESVi≥45ml/m² had 3.96-fold risk[95% CI 1.94-8.03].

CONCLUSION

In this large cohort of asymptomatic patients with ≥moderate-severe AR, automated LVGLS was feasible, efficient, and independently associated with death on head-to-head comparison with conventional LVEF, LVESDi, and LVESVi. The automated-LVGLS threshold of <15% alone or combined with LVESVi≥45ml/m², was significantly associated with increased mortality risk and may be considered in early surgery decision-making.

Aortic regurgitation management: a systematic review of clinical practice guidelines and recommendations

Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of aortic regurgitation (AR) contain recommendations that do not always match. We systematically reviewed clinical practice guidelines and summarized similarities and differences in the recommendations as well as gaps in evidence on the management of AR. We searched MEDLINE and Embase (1 January 2011 to 1 September 2021), Google Scholar, and websites of relevant organizations for contemporary guidelines that were rigorously developed as assessed by the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II tool. Three guidelines met our inclusion criteria. There was consensus on the definition of severe AR and use of echocardiography and of multimodality imaging for diagnosis, with emphasis on comprehensive assessment by the heart valve team to assess suitability and choice of intervention. Surgery is indicated in all symptomatic patients and aortic valve replacement is the cornerstone of treatment. There is consistency in the frequency of follow-up of patients, and safety of non-cardiac surgery in patients without indications for surgery. Discrepancies exist in recommendations for 3D imaging and the use of global longitudinal strain and biomarkers. Cut-offs for left ventricular ejection fraction and size for recommending surgery in severe asymptomatic AR also vary. There are no specific AR cut-offs for high-risk surgery and the role of percutaneous intervention is yet undefined. Recommendations on the treatment of mixed valvular disease are sparse and lack robust prospective data.

Natriuretic peptide release during exercise in patients with valvular heart disease: A systematic review

AIM

Serum biomarkers have a potential role in the risk stratification of patients with heart valve disease and may help determine the optimal timing of intervention. Much of the published literature relates to biomarker sampling in a resting state, but the relationship of exercise biomarkers is less well described. We performed a systematic review to examine the significance of exercise natriuretic peptides on echocardiographic variables and cardiovascular events, in valvular heart disease.

METHODS

A search for studies that assessed exercise biomarkers in patients with moderate to severe valve lesions was performed. We examined the relationship between rest and exercise BNP and also the endpoints of symptoms, haemodynamic or echocardiographic variables and clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

Eleven prospective studies were identified (844 participants). 61% were male and the mean age was 55.2 ± 9.6 years. The majority of the blood samples were taken at baseline and within 3 minutes of stopping exercise. There was a significant increase in exercise BNP compared with rest, in patients with aortic stenosis, mitral regurgitation and mitral stenosis. Elevated exercise BNP levels correlated with mean gradient and left atrial area, and there was a relationship between a higher exercise BNP and a blunted blood pressure response, in aortic stenosis. Furthermore, exercise BNP was independently associated with cardiac events, over and above resting values, in patients with mitral regurgitation and aortic stenosis.

CONCLUSION

The results suggesting that exercise natriuretic peptide levels may have additive prognostic importance over resting levels, as well as demographic and echocardiographic data.

Integration of imaging and circulating biomarkers in heart failure: a consensus document by the Biomarkers and Imaging Study Groups of the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology

Circulating biomarkers and imaging techniques provide independent and complementary information to guide management of heart failure (HF). This consensus document by the Heart Failure Association (HFA) of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) presents current evidence-based indications relevant to integration of imaging techniques and biomarkers in HF. The document first focuses on application of circulating biomarkers together with imaging findings, in the broad domains of screening, diagnosis, risk stratification, guidance of treatment and monitoring, and then discusses specific challenging settings. In each section we crystallize clinically relevant recommendations and identify directions for future research. The target readership of this document includes cardiologists, internal medicine specialists and other clinicians dealing with HF patients.

Prognostic Value of Natriuretic Peptides for All-Cause Mortality, Right Ventricular Failure, Major Adverse Events, and Myocardial Recovery in Advanced Heart Failure Patients Receiving a Left Ventricular Assist Device: A Systematic Review

Aims: Major adverse event (MAE) rates during left ventricular assist device (LVAD) therapy in advanced heart failure (HF) patients are high, and impair quality of life and survival. Prediction and risk stratification of MAEs in order to improve patient selection and thereby outcome during LVAD therapy is therefore warranted. Circulating natriuretic peptides (NPs) are strong predictors of MAEs and mortality in chronic HF patients. However, whether NPs can identify patients who are at risk of MAEs and mortality or tend toward myocardial recovery after LVAD implantation is unclear. The aim of this systematic review is to analyze the prognostic value of circulating NP levels before LVAD implantation for all-cause mortality, MAEs and myocardial recovery after LVAD implantation.

Methods and Results: Electronic databases were searched for studies analyzing circulating NP in adults with advanced HF before LVAD implantation in relation to mortality, MAEs, or myocardial recovery after LVAD implantation. Twenty-four studies published between 2008 and 2021 were included. Follow-up duration ranged from 48 hours to 5 years. Study sample size ranged from 14 to 15,138 patients. Natriuretic peptide levels were not predictive of all-cause mortality. However, NPs were predictive of right ventricular failure (RVF) and MAEs such as ventricular arrhythmias, moderate or severe aortic regurgitation, and all-cause rehospitalization. No relation between NPs and myocardial recovery was found.

Conclusion: This systematic review found that NP levels before LVAD implantation are not predictive of all-cause mortality after LVAD implantation. Thus, NP levels may be of limited value in patient selection for LVAD therapy. However, NPs help in risk stratification of MAEs and may be used to identify patients who are at risk for RVF, ventricular arrhythmias, moderate or severe aortic regurgitation, and all-cause rehospitalization after LVAD implantation.

Optimizing Timing of Valve Intervention in Patients With Asymptomatic Severe Valvular Heart Disease

The management of valvular heart disease has changed dramatically over the past decade with advances in cardiac imaging, the use of novel biomarkers, and the development of transcatheter valve repair and replacement technology. International society guidelines have kept pace to provide recommendations for diagnosis, follow-up, and timing of intervention. The most challenging patient cohort for clinicians are patients with asymptomatic severe disease in whom the optimal timing of intervention can be ill-defined. It is a fine balance between the risks of early intervention on asymptomatic patients and improving patient outcomes by preventing long-term cardiac complications. The key in optimal patient management is gathering the necessary information on patient risk and combining that with the risk, efficacy, and durability of valve interventions to arrive at the appropriate timing for intervention. This group of patients will be the focus of this review as we delve into the natural history, recommended follow-up, and indications for intervention in patients with degenerative aortic and mitral valve disease.

2020 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Management of Patients With Valvular Heart Disease: Executive Summary: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines

AIM

This executive summary of the valvular heart disease guideline provides recommendations for clinicians to diagnose and manage valvular heart disease as well as supporting documentation to encourage their use.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted from January 1, 2010, to March 1, 2020, encompassing studies, reviews, and other evidence conducted on human subjects that were published in English from PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Reports, and other selected database relevant to this guideline. Structure: Many recommendations from the earlier valvular heart disease guidelines have been updated with new evidence and provides newer options for diagnosis and treatment of valvular heart disease. This summary includes only the recommendations from the full guideline which focus on diagnostic work-up, the timing and choice of surgical and catheter interventions, and recommendations for medical therapy. The reader is referred to the full guideline for graphical flow charts, text, and tables with additional details about the rationale for and implementation of each recommendation, and the evidence tables detailing the data considered in developing these guidelines.

Prognostic Value of N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide in Elderly Patients With Valvular Heart Disease

BACKGROUND

N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) may reflect early prognosis in patients with valvular heart disease (VHD).

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to examine the association between NT-proBNP and mortality in elderly patients with VHD.

METHODS

A total of 5,983 elderly patients (age ≥60 years) with moderate or severe VHD underwent echocardiography and NT-proBNP measurement. VHD examined included aortic stenosis, aortic regurgitation, mitral stenosis, mitral regurgitation, tricuspid regurgitation, and multivalvular heart disease. NT-proBNP ratio was defined as measured NT-proBNP relative to the maximal normal values specific to age and sex. Disease-specific thresholds were defined on the basis of penalized splines and maximally selected rank statistics.

RESULTS

The cohort had a mean age of 71.1 ± 7.6 years. At 1-year follow-up, 561 deaths (9.4%) had occurred. In penalized splines, relative hazards showed a monotonic increase with greater NT-proBNP ratio for death with different VHDs (p < 0.001 for all) except mitral stenosis. Higher NT-proBNP ratio, categorized by disease-specific thresholds, was independently associated with mortality (overall adjusted hazard ratio: 1.99; 95% confidence interval: 1.76 to 2.24; p < 0.001). Different subtypes of VHD all incurred excess mortality with elevated NT-proBNP ratio, with the strongest association detected for aortic stenosis (adjusted hazard ratio: 10.5; 95% confidence interval: 3.9 to 28.27; p < 0.001). The addition of NT-proBNP ratio to the prediction algorithm including traditional risk factors improved outcome prediction (overall net reclassification index = 0.28; 95% CI: 0.24 to 0.34; p < 0.001; likelihood ratio test p < 0.001). Results remained consistent in patients under medical care, with normal left ventricular ejection fractions, and with primary VHD.

CONCLUSIONS

NT-proBNP provides incremental prognostic information for mortality in various VHDs. It could aid in risk stratification as a pragmatic and versatile biomarker in elderly patients.

Myocardial Scar and Mortality in Chronic Aortic Regurgitation

Background

Chronic aortic regurgitation (AR) can be associated with myocardial scarring. It is unknown if scarring in AR is linked to poor outcomes and whether aortic valve replacement impacts this association. We investigated the relationship of myocardial scarring to mortality in chronic AR using cardiac magnetic resonance.

Methods and Results

We enrolled patients with moderate or greater AR between 2009 and 2019 and performed a blinded assessment of left ventricle remodeling, AR severity, and presence and extent of myocardial scarring by late gadolinium enhancement. The primary outcome was all‐cause mortality. We followed 392 patients (median age 62 [interquartile range, 51–71] years), and 78.1% were men, and 25.8% had bicuspid valves. Median aortic valve regurgitant volume was 39 mL (interquartile range, 30–60). Myocardial scar was present in 131 (33.4%) patients. Aortic valve replacement was performed in 165 (49.1%) patients. During follow‐up, up to 10.8 years (median 32.3 months [interquartile range, 9.8–69.5]), 51 patients (13%) died. Presence of myocardial scar (hazard ratio [HR], 3.62; 95% CI, 2.06–6.36; P<0.001), infarction scar (HR, 4.94; 95% CI, 2.58–9.48; P<0.001), and noninfarction scar (HR, 2.75; 95% CI, 1.39–5.44; P<0.004) were associated with mortality. In multivariable analysis, the presence of scar remained independently associated with death (HR, 2.53; 95% CI, 1.15–5.57; P=0.02). Among patients with myocardial scar, aortic valve replacement was independently associated with a lower risk of mortality (HR, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.12–0.97; P=0.03), even after adjustment for confounders.

Conclusions

In aortic regurgitation, myocardial scar is independently associated with a 2.5‐fold increase risk in mortality. Aortic valve replacement was associated with a reduction in risk of mortality in patients with scarring.

Timing of intervention in asymptomatic patients with valvular heart disease

Current management of valvular heart disease (VHD) seeks to optimize long-term outcome by timely intervention. Recommendations for treatment of patients with symptoms due to severe valvular disease are based on a foundation of solid evidence. However, when to intervene in asymptomatic patients remains controversial and decision requires careful individual weighing of the potential benefits against the risk of intervention and its long-term consequences. The primary rationale for earlier intervention is prevention of irreversible left ventricular (LV) myocardial changes that might result in later clinical symptoms and adverse cardiac events. A number of outcome predictors have been identified that facilitate decision-making. This review summarizes current recommendations and discusses recently published data that challenge them suggesting even earlier intervention. In adults with asymptomatic aortic stenosis (AS), emerging risk markers include very severe valve obstruction, elevated serum natriuretic peptide levels, and imaging evidence of myocardial fibrosis or increased extracellular myocardial volume. Currently, transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is not recommended for treatment of asymptomatic severe AS although this may change in the future. In patients with aortic regurgitation (AR), the potential benefit of early intervention in preventing LV dilation and dysfunction must be balanced against the long-term risk of a prosthetic valve, a particular concern because severe AR often occurs in younger patients with a congenital bicuspid valve. In patients with mitral stenosis, the option of transcatheter mitral balloon valvotomy tilts the balance towards earlier intervention to prevent atrial fibrillation, embolic events, and pulmonary hypertension. When chronic severe mitral regurgitation is due to mitral valve prolapse, anatomic features consistent with a high likelihood of a successful and durable valve repair favour early intervention. The optimal timing of intervention in adults with VHD is a constantly changing threshold that depends not only on the severity of valve disease but also on the safety, efficacy, and long-term durability of our treatment options.

Early Valve Replacement for Severe Aortic Valve Disease: Effect on Mortality and Clinical Ramifications

Timing of aortic valve intervention for chronic aortic regurgitation (AR) and/or aortic stenosis (AS) potentially affects long-term survival. The 2014 American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology (AHA/ACC) guidelines provide recommendations for the timing of intervention. Subsequent to the guidelines' release, several studies have been published that suggest a survival benefit from earlier timing of surgery for severe AR and/or AS. The aim of this review was to determine whether patients who have chronic aortic regurgitation (AR) and/or aortic stenosis (AS) have a survival benefit from earlier timing of aortic valve surgery. Medical databases were systematically searched from January 2015 to April 2020 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies that examined the timing of aortic valve replacement surgery for chronic AR and/or AS. For chronic AR, four observational studies and no RCTs were identified. For chronic AS, five observational studies, one RCT and one meta-analysis were identified. One observational study examining mixed aortic valve disease (MAVD) was identified. All of these studies, for AR, AS, and MAVD, found long-term survival benefit from timing of aortic valve surgery earlier than the current guidelines. Larger prospective RCTs are required to evaluate the benefit of earlier surgical intervention.

New Imaging Markers of Clinical Outcome in Asymptomatic Patients with Severe Aortic Regurgitation

Background: Determining the value of new imaging markers to predict aortic valve (AV) surgery in asymptomatic patients with severe aortic regurgitation (AR) in a prospective, observational, multicenter study. Methods: Consecutive patients with chronic severe AR were enrolled between 2015–2018. Baseline examination included echocardiography (ECHO) with 2- and 3-dimensional (2D and 3D) vena contracta area (VCA), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with regurgitant volume (RV) and fraction (RF) analyzed in CoreLab. Results: The mean follow-up was 587 days (interquartile range (IQR) 296–901) in a total of 104 patients. Twenty patients underwent AV surgery. Baseline clinical and laboratory data did not differ between surgically and medically treated patients. Surgically treated patients had larger left ventricular (LV) dimension, end-diastolic volume (all p < 0.05), and the LV ejection fraction was similar. The surgical group showed higher prevalence of severe AR (70% vs. 40%, p = 0.02). Out of all imaging markers 3D VCA, MRI-derived RV and RF were identified as the strongest independent predictors of AV surgery (all p < 0.001). Conclusions: Parameters related to LV morphology and function showed moderate accuracy to identify patients in need of early AV surgery at the early stage of the disease. 3D ECHO-derived VCA and MRI-derived RV and RF showed high accuracy and excellent sensitivity to identify patients in need of early surgery.

Aortic Valve Repair: From Concept to Future Targets

Aortic valve repair has become an important treatment alternative to patients with aortic insufficiency. In this paper, we review refinements and advances in the understanding of core concepts of aortic valve anatomy and pathophysiology which have enhanced our approach to aortic valve preservation and repair. With these improvements in understanding and techniques, the outcome for aortic valve repair continues to improve. We also review current challenges in the field and explore potential areas of innovation and future study including timing of surgical intervention for aortic insufficiency, comparisons between aortic valve repair and replacement in randomized trials, and development of personalized surgical management plan based on patient-specific pathologies. These advances will further establish the role of aortic valve repair in the management of aortic valve and aortic disease.

Timing and mode of intervention for patients with left sided valvular heart disease: an individualized approach

Left sided valvular heart disease poses major impact on life and lifestyle. Medical therapy merely palliates chronic severe valve disease and once symptoms or haemodynamic sequelae appear, life expectancy is markedly truncated. In this article, we review the mechanisms of valve pathology, latest evidence in the quest for pharmacological options, means by which to predict deterioration, and standard and novel treatment options.

Survival after Aortic Valve Replacement for Aortic Regurgitation: Prediction from Preoperative Contractility Measurement

BACKGROUND

Noninvasive measurement of myocardial contractility (end-systolic wall stress-adjusted change in left ventricular ejection fraction from rest to exercise [ΔLVEF - ΔESS]) predicts heart failure, subnormal LVEFrest, and sudden death in asymptomatic patients with chronic severe aortic regurgitation (AR). Here we assess the relation of preoperative ΔLVEF - ΔESS to survival after aortic valve replacement (AVR).

METHODS

Patients who underwent AVR for chronic, isolated, pure severe AR (n = 66) were followed for 13.0 ± 6.4 event-free years. Preoperative ΔLVEF - ΔESS (from combined echocardiographic and radionuclide cineangiographic data) enabled cohort stratification into 3 terciles (-1 to -11% [normal or mild] contractility deficit, -12 to -16% [moderate], and ≤-17% [severe], identical with segregation in our earlier study) to relate preoperative contractility to postoperative survival and to age- and gender-matched US census data.

RESULTS

Since AVR, 22 patients died (average annual risk [AAR] for all-cause mortality for the entire co hort = 3.15%). Preoperative ΔLVEF - ΔESS predicted postoperative survival (p = 0.009, log rank test). By contractility terciles, all-cause AARs were 1.44, 2.58, and 6.40%. Survival was lower than among US census comparators (p < 0.02), but the "mild" tercile was indistinguishable from census data (p = ns). By multivariable Cox regression, survival prediction by pre-AVR ΔLVEF - ΔESS was independent of, and superior to, prediction by age at surgery, gender, preoperative functional class, LVEFrest, LVEFexercise, change in LVEFrest to exercise, and LV diastolic or systolic dimensions (p ≤ 0.01, pre-AVR ΔLVEF - ΔESS vs. other covariates).

CONCLUSION

In severe AR, preoperative contractility predicts post-AVR survival and may be prognostically superior to clinical, geometric and performance descriptors, potentially impacting on patient selection for surgery.

Assessment of aortic valve disease - a clinician oriented review

Aortic valve disease [aortic stenosis (AS) and aortic regurgitation (AR)] represents an important global health problem; when severe, aortic valve disease carries poor prognosis. For AS, aortic valve replacement, either surgical or interventional, may provide definite treatment in carefully selected patients. For AR, valve surgery (either replacement or - in selected cases - aortic valve repair) remains the gold standard of care. To properly identify those patients who are candidates for surgery, the clinician has to carefully assess the severity of valve disease with an understanding of the potential pitfalls involved in these assessments. This review focuses on the practical issues concerning the evaluation of patients with AS and AR from a general cardiologist’s perspective. The most important issues regarding the documentation of the severity of AS and AR are summarized. More specific issues, such as the role of stress echocardiography, other imaging techniques and details regarding the treatment options (medical, surgical, or interventional), are mentioned briefly.

Current Management of Patients with Severe Aortic Regurgitation

OPINION STATEMENT

Chronic aortic regurgitation can result from various congenital and acquired anomalies and can be associated with proximal aortic disease. As the number of aortic valve procedures is growing, the incidence of post-procedural regurgitation also increases with associated morbidity. Typical evolution is characterized by a clinically silent phase of variable duration followed by a rather rapid decline with high incidence of adverse events. A challenge remains to find the optimal timing for an intervention: Patients are exposed to unnecessary surgical risks if treated prematurely, but peri- and post-operative prognosis is worse when the intervention is performed too late. Clinical evaluation and serial imaging tests can optimize the timing for intervention. Clinical follow-up should try to elucidate associated symptoms, with quantitative measurement of functional capacity as needed. Serial imaging examinations are required to identify sub-clinical left ventricular dysfunction or severe dilatation that should prompt a surgery. At least in selected cases, newer imaging modalities (MRI, 3D echocardiography) and/or biomarkers can help for the management of these patients, and more research is needed to determine if their systematic use can be beneficial. Medical treatment with vasodilators and anti-remodeling drugs can be helpful in some patients but should not replace or delay aortic valve surgery when indicated. Most patients will eventually be treated with surgical aortic valve replacement. Although possible in selected cases, transcatheter aortic valve replacement is not commonly used for patients with pure aortic regurgitation. For patients with prior aortic valve replacement and aortic regurgitation (paravalvular or intravalvular), emerging percutaneous approaches can be considered when available, especially for those at high surgical risk.