Natural history of functional tricuspid regurgitation: impact of cardiac output

New Therapeutic Advances in the Management of Tricuspid Valve Regurgitation

Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is an intricate disorder that has a negative outlook, while surgical treatment is linked to increased mortality. Primary TR occurs due to a structural defect in the tricuspid valve (TV), while secondary TR is a more prevalent condition often associated with pulmonary hypertension, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation. The use of specific surgical procedures to improve TR is limited in everyday clinical practice due to the heightened surgical risk and delayed patient presentation. The development of other transcatheter heart valve procedures has led to a significant increase in transcatheter TV operations, which can be attributed to certain technological advancements. This review aims to provide an updated overview of transcatheter TV procedures, available alternative therapies, and standards for patient selection. It will also highlight the current state of development in this field, which is characterized by rapid progress and numerous ongoing clinical trials.

Prognostic Implication of Right Ventricular Free Wall Longitudinal Strain and Right Atrial Pressure Estimated By Echocardiography in Patients With Severe Functional Tricuspid Regurgitation

BACKGROUND

The interaction between right ventricular (RV) function and pulmonary hypertension is crucial for prognosis of patients with severe functional tricuspid regurgitation. RV free wall longitudinal strain (RVFWLS) has been reported to detect RV systolic dysfunction earlier than other conventional parameters. Although pulmonary artery systolic pressure measured by Doppler echocardiography is often underestimated in severe functional tricuspid regurgitation, right atrial pressure (RAP) estimated by echocardiography may be viewed as a prognostic factor. Impact of RAP and RVFWLS on outcome in patients with severe functional tricuspid regurgitation remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate prognostic implication of RAP, RVFWLS, and their combination in this population.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We retrospectively examined 377 patients with severe functional tricuspid regurgitation. RAP, pulmonary artery systolic pressure, RV fractional area change, and RVFWLS were analyzed. RAP of 15 mm Hg was classified as elevated RAP. All-cause death at 2-year follow-up was defined as the primary end point. RVFWLS provided better prognostic information than RV fractional area change by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. In the multivariable Cox regression analysis, elevated RAP and RVFWLS of ≤18% were independent predictors of clinical outcome. Patients with RVFWLS of ≤18% had higher risk of all-cause death than those without by Kaplan-Meier curve analysis. Furthermore, when patients were stratified into 4 groups by RAP and RVFWLS, the group with elevated RAP and RVFWLS of ≤18% had the worst outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated RAP and RVFWLS of ≤18% were independent predictors of all-cause death. The combination of elevated RAP and RVFWLS effectively stratified the all-cause death.

Echocardiography Imaging of the Right Ventricle: Focus on Three-Dimensional Echocardiography

Right ventricular function strongly predicts cardiac death and adverse cardiac events in patients with cardiac diseases. However, the accurate right ventricular assessment by two-dimensional echocardiography is limited due to its complex anatomy, shape, and load dependence. Advances in cardiac imaging and three-dimensional echocardiography provided more reliable information on right ventricular volumes and function without geometrical assumptions. Furthermore, the pathophysiology of right ventricular dysfunction and tricuspid regurgitation is frequently connected. Three-dimensional echocardiography allows a more in-depth structural and functional evaluation of the tricuspid valve. Understanding the anatomy and pathophysiology of the right side of the heart may help in diagnosing and managing the disease by using reliable imaging tools. The present review describes the challenging echocardiographic assessment of the right ventricle and tricuspid valve apparatus in clinical practice with a focus on three-dimensional echocardiography.

Functional Mitral and Tricuspid Regurgitation across the Whole Spectrum of Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction: Recognizing the Elephant in the Room of Heart Failure

Functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) and tricuspid regurgitation (FTR) occur due to cardiac remodeling in the presence of structurally normal valve apparatus. Two main mechanisms are involved, distinguishing an atrial functional form (when annulus dilatation is predominant) and a ventricular form (when ventricular remodeling and dysfunction predominate). Both affect the prognosis of patients with heart failure (HF) across the entire spectrum of left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF), including preserved (HFpEF), mildly reduced (HFmrEF), or reduced (HFrEF). Currently, data on the management of functional valve regurgitation in the various HF phenotypes are limited. This review summarizes the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and treatment of FMR and FTR within the different patterns of HF, as defined by LVEF.

Isolated functional tricuspid regurgitation: how to define patients at risk for event?

AIMS

Functional tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is a turning point in cardiac diseases. Symptoms typically appear late. The optimal timing for proposing a valve repair remains a challenge. We sought to analyse the characteristics of right heart remodelling in patients with significant functional TR to identify the parameters that could be used in a simple prognostic model predicting clinical events.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We designed a prospective observational French multicentre study including 160 patients with significant functional TR (effective regurgitant orifice area > 30 mm² ) and left ventricular ejection fraction > 40%. Clinical, echocardiographic, and electrocardiogram data were collected at baseline and at the 1 and 2 year follow-up. The primary outcome was all-cause death or hospitalization for heart failure. At 2 years, 56 patients (35%) achieved the primary outcome. The subset with events showed more advanced right heart remodelling at baseline, but similar TR severity. Right atrial volume index (RAVI) and the tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion to systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (TAPSE/sPAP) ratio, reflecting right ventricular-pulmonary arterial coupling, were 73 mL/m² and 0.40 vs. 64.7 mL/m² and 0.50 in the event vs. event-free groups, respectively (both P < 0.05). None among all the clinical and imaging parameters tested had a significant group × time interaction. The multivariable analysis leads to a model including TAPSE/sPAP ratio > 0.4 (odds ratio = 0.41, 95% confidence limit 0.2 to 0.82) and RAVI > 60 mL/m² (odds ratio = 2.13, 95% confidence limit 0.96 to 4.75), providing a clinically valid prognostic evaluation.

CONCLUSIONS

RAVI and TAPSE/sPAP are relevant for predicting the risk for event at 2 year follow-up in patients with an isolated functional TR.

The year 2021 in the European Heart Journal: Cardiovascular Imaging Part II

The European Heart Journal-Cardiovascular Imaging was launched in 2012 and has during these years become one of the leading multimodality cardiovascular imaging journals. The journal is currently ranked as Number 19 among all cardiovascular journals. It has an impressive impact factor of 9.130. The most important studies published in our Journal from 2021 will be highlighted in two reports. Part II will focus on valvular heart disease, heart failure, cardiomyopathies, and congenital heart disease, while Part I of the review has focused on studies about myocardial function and risk prediction, myocardial ischaemia, and emerging techniques in cardiovascular imaging.

The TriClip system for edge-to-edge transcatheter tricuspid valve repair. A Spanish multicenter study

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

In patients with tricuspid regurgitation (TR), edge-to-edge transcatheter tricuspid valve repair (TTVR) is the strategy with the highest penetration worldwide. A dedicated edge-to-edge TTVR system has recently become available in Europe. The present study describes the initial experience with the system in Spain.

METHODS

This multicenter study collected individual data from the centers accepted for the use of the novel system within an initial limited release. Between June 2020 and March 2021, all patients undergoing an edge-to-edge TTVR using the TriClip system in Spain were included in the study. The primary endpoint was the achievement of a TR reduction of at least 1 grade at discharge.

RESULTS

We included 34 patients. Most of them reported a previous history of atrial fibrillation (91%) and only 1 had a pacemaker lead. The primary endpoint (TR reduction of at least 1 grade at discharge) was met in all patients. Most of the patients required 1 (47%) or 2 clips (44%) with a clear predominance of XT (87%) over NT (13%). The location of the first clip was anteroseptal in >90% of the patients. Only 1 patient had a partial detachment, which was stabilized with additional clips in the same procedure. At discharge, TR severity was≤2 in 91% of patients. At 3 months, mortality was nil. Overall, 88% of patients were in New York Heart Association functional class≤2 and 80% had residual TR≤2.

CONCLUSIONS

Edge-to-edge TTVR seemed to be effective and safe with a sustained TR reduction at 3 months. Further studies will be needed to confirm our findings.

Functional tricuspid regurgitation: A clustering analysis and prognostic validation of three echocardiographic phenotypes in an external cohort

BACKGROUND

Functional tricuspid regurgitation (FTR) is an independent risk factor for morbidity and mortality. New pathophysiological concepts but also new therapeutic options are justifying new knowledges for characterizing FTRs and their prognoses.

AIM

To study echocardiographic criteria associated with prognosis in FTR-patients using a clustering method in two cohorts.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Two hundred forty-one patients with at least severe (≥grade 3) TR were enrolled: 92 in the retrospective cohort (mean age 77.9 ± 13 years) and 149 in the prospective validation cohort. Hierarchical clustering analysis was conducted. Four parameters explained the clustering categorization according to a multinomial regression (right ventricular (RV) end-diastolic mid-cavity diameter, RV free-wall strain, right atrial (RA) volume index, RA strain; p = 0.0039). Three clusters were identified in the retrospective cohort: Cluster 1 had better right ventricular, left ventricular, and right atrial function than Cluster 2 (reduced RV and RA strain despite similar sizes). Cluster 3 included patients with severely dilated heart chambers associated to RV and RA dysfunctions. When applying the model in the validation (external) cohort, the rate of the primary endpoint (hospitalization for heart failure and/or death from any cause) was lowest in Cluster 1 (30.8% versus 48% and 58.8% in Clusters 2 and 3, respectively; p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

In FTR patients, different profiles of RV and RA remodeling are associated with different outcomes. Therefore, the diagnostic work-up in this clinical setting should include RV and RA characteristics. Under noninterventional management, the phenotype corresponding to preserved RV size and preserved RA and RV functions appears to have a better prognosis.

Association of Pulmonary Artery Pulsatility Index With Adverse Cardiovascular Events Across a Hospital-Based Sample

BACKGROUND

The pulmonary artery pulsatility index (PAPi), calculated from the ratio of the pulmonary artery pulse pressure to right atrial pressure, is a predictor of right ventricular failure after inferior myocardial infarction and left ventricular assist device implantation. Whether PAPi is associated with adverse outcomes across a heterogeneous population is unknown.

METHODS

We examined consecutive patients undergoing right heart catheterization between 2005 and 2016 in a hospital-based cohort. Multivariable Cox models were utilized to examine the association between PAPi and all-cause mortality, major adverse cardiac events, and heart failure hospitalizations.

RESULTS

We studied 8285 individuals (mean age 63 years, 39% women) with median PAPi across quartiles 1.7, 2.8, 4.2, and 8.7, who were followed over a mean follow-up of 6.7±3.3 years. Patients in the lowest PAPi quartile had a 60% greater risk of death compared with the highest quartile (multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio, 1.60 [95% CI, 1.36-1.88], P<0.001) and a higher risk of major adverse cardiac events and heart failure hospitalizations (hazard ratio, 1.80 [95% CI, 1.56-2.07], P<0.001 and hazard ratio, 2.08 [95% CI, 1.76-2.47], P<0.001, respectively). Of note, patients in quartiles 2 and 3 also had increased risk of cardiovascular events compared with quartile 4 (multivariable P<0.05 for all).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with the highest PAPi quartile, patients in PAPi quartiles 1 to 3 had a greater risk of all-cause mortality, major adverse cardiac events, and heart failure hospitalizations, with greatest risk observed in the lowest quartile. A low PAPi, even at values higher than previously reported, may serve an important role in identifying high-risk individuals across a broad spectrum of cardiovascular disease.

Multicentric randomized evaluation of a tricuspid valve percutaneous repair system (clip for the tricuspid valve) in the treatment of severe secondary tricuspid regurgitation Tri.Fr Design paper

AIMS

Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Its independent prognostic role has been repeatedly demonstrated. However, this valvular heart condition is largely undertreated because of the increased risk of surgical repair. Recently, transcatheter techniques for the treatment of TR have emerged, but their implications for the clinical endpoints are still unknown.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The Tri.fr trial will be a multicentre, controlled, randomized (1:1 ratio), superior, open-label, and parallel-group study conducted in 300 patients with severe secondary TR that is considered non-surgical by heart teams. Inclusion will be possible only after core laboratory review of transthoracic and transoesophageal echocardiography and after validation by the clinical eligibility committee. A description of the mechanisms of the TR will be conducted by the core laboratory. Atrial or ventricular impacts on the severity of the secondary TR will be taken into account for the randomization. The patients will be followed for 12-month, and the primary outcome will be the Packer composite clinical endpoint [combining New York Heart Association class, patient global assessment (PGA), and major cardiovascular events]. It will test the hypothesis that a tricuspid valve percutaneous repair strategy using a clip dedicated to the tricuspid valve is superior to best guideline-directed medical therapy in symptomatic patients with severe secondary TR.

CONCLUSION

Tri.fr will be the first randomized, academic, multicentre study testing the value of percutaneous correction in patients with severe secondary TR.

Cardiac output states in patients with severe functional tricuspid regurgitation: impact on treatment success and prognosis

AIMS

To investigate whether there is evidence for distinct cardiac output (CO) based phenotypes in patients with chronic right heart failure associated with severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) and to characterize their impact on TR treatment and outcome.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 132 patients underwent isolated transcatheter tricuspid valve repair (TTVR) for functional TR at two centres. Patients were clustered according to k-means clustering into low [cardiac index (CI) < 1.7 L/min/m² ], intermediate (CI 1.7-2.6 L/min/m² ) and high CO (CI > 2.6 L/min/m² ) clusters. All-cause mortality and clinical characteristics during follow-up were compared among different CO clusters. Mortality rates were highest for patients in a low (24%) and high CO state (42%, log-rank P < 0.001). High CO state patients were characterized by larger inferior vena cava diameters (P = 0.003), reduced liver function, higher incidence of ascites (P = 0.006) and markedly reduced systemic vascular resistance (P < 0.001) as compared to TTVR patients in other CO states. Despite comparable procedural success rates, the extent of changes in right atrial pressures (P = 0.01) and right ventricular dimensions (P < 0.001) per decrease in regurgitant volume following TTVR was less pronounced in high CO state patients as compared to other CO states. Successful TTVR was associated with the smallest prognostic benefit among low and high CO state patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with chronic right heart failure and severe TR display distinct CO states. The high CO state is characterized by advanced congestive hepatopathy, a substantial decrease in peripheral vascular tone, a lack of response of central venous pressures to TR reduction, and worse prognosis. These data are relevant to the pathophysiological understanding and management of this important clinical syndrome.