Meta-analysis of improved mitral regurgitation after aortic valve replacement

BACKGROUND

This meta-analysis aimed to compare survival outcomes among patients experiencing improvement in untreated significant mitral regurgitation (MR) following surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) or transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for severe aortic stenosis, in contrast to those without improvement.

METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive search through February 2024. Pooled hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were computed. Kaplan-Meier curves depicting all-cause mortality were reconstructed using individual patient data derived from the included studies.

RESULTS

A systematic review identified twelve non-randomized studies encompassing 4040 patients. The pooled all-cause mortality of the meta-analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in patients whose MR improved compared to those with persistent MR after aortic valve replacement (AVR) (HR [95% CI] = 0.55 [0.47-0.64], p < .01). The hazard ratio, derived from reconstructed time-to-event data, indicated lower all-cause mortality in patients with improved MR after AVR relative to the other cohort (HR [95% CI] = 0.50 [0.40-0.62], p < .01 in all patients, 0.48 [0.34-0.68], p < .01 in patients undergoing SAVR, and 0.58 [0.42-0.80], p < .01 in those receiving TAVR).

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, this meta-analysis revealed that improved MR after AVR, whether surgically or by transcatheter approach, correlates with superior survival. The benefits of simultaneous or staged intervention on the mitral valve in individuals undergoing AVR warrant validation in future investigations.

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

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

Effect of concurrent mitral valve surgery for secondary mitral regurgitation upon mortality after aortic valve replacement or coronary artery bypass surgery

Objectives

It is uncertain whether concurrent mitral valve repair or replacement for moderate or greater secondary mitral regurgitation at the time of coronary artery bypass graft or aortic valve replacement surgery improves long-term survival.

Methods

Patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft and/or aortic valve replacement surgery with moderate or greater secondary mitral regurgitation were reviewed. The effect of concurrent mitral valve repair or replacement upon long-term mortality was assessed while accounting for patient and operative characteristics and mitral regurgitation severity.

Results

Of 1,515 patients, 938 underwent coronary artery bypass graft or aortic valve replacement surgery alone and 577 underwent concurrent mitral valve repair or replacement. Concurrent mitral valve repair or replacement did not alter the risk of postoperative mortality for patients with moderate mitral regurgitation (hazard ratio = 0.93; 0.75-1.17) or more-than-moderate mitral regurgitation (hazard ratio = 1.09; 0.74-1.60) in multivariable regression. Patients with more-than-moderate mitral regurgitation undergoing coronary artery bypass graft-only surgery had a survival advantage from concurrent mitral valve repair or replacement in the first two postoperative years (P = 0.028) that did not persist beyond that time. Patients who underwent concurrent mitral valve repair or replacement had a higher rate of later mitral valve operation or reoperation over the five subsequent years (1.9% vs. 0.2%; P = 0.0014) than those who did not.

Conclusions

These observations suggest that mitral valve repair or replacement for more-than-moderate mitral regurgitation at the time of coronary artery bypass grafting may be reasonable in a suitably selected coronary artery bypass graft population but not for aortic valve replacement, with or without coronary artery bypass grafting. Our findings are supportive of 2021 European guidelines that severe secondary mitral regurgitation "should" or be "reasonabl[y]" intervened upon at the time of coronary artery bypass grafting but do not support 2020 American guidelines for performing mitral valve repair or replacement concurrent with aortic valve replacement, with or without coronary artery bypass grafting.

Effect of β-blocker on patients with moderate functional mitral regurgitation undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement

AIMS

The optimal treatment for severe aortic valve disease complicated with moderate function mitral regurgitation (FMR) remains controversial. Although isolated surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) is reasonable, previous studies also show that moderate FMR might deteriorate after surgical treatment and result in poorer prognosis. Because the left ventricular remodelling plays a critical role in the development of FMR, these patients might potentially benefit from the administration of β-blocker (BB). Unfortunately, relevant clinical evidence is lacking. This study aimed to investigate the impact of post-operative administration of BB on the outcomes of moderate FMR patients undergoing isolated SAVR.

METHODS

In this single-centre cohort study, patients who underwent isolated SAVR and complicated with pre-operative moderate FMR during 2010 and 2019 at our centre were retrospectively recruited. Patients were divided into two groups according to postoperative administration of BB (BB group vs. control group). The cumulative survival rates were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and tested by the log-rank test, followed by inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW) analysis to further control the between-group imbalances. The primary outcome was the major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), a composite endpoint of all-cause death, repeat heart valve surgery, non-fatal myocardial infarction, stroke, and hospitalization for heart failure.

RESULTS

A total of 165 patients were enrolled, 57 (34.6%) of whom were female, and the mean age was 59.2 ± 12.2 years. Eighty (48.5%) patients received post-operative BB therapy. The median follow-up time was 18.4 months. The administration of BB was not associated with lower risk of MACCE [hazard ratio (HR): 0.68, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.29-1.62, P = 0.388] or all-cause death (HR: 1.03, 95% CI: 0.30-0.56, P = 0.967). In the IPTW dataset, the total number of patients were 326.89, and the outcomes regarding the risk of MACCE (HR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.31-1.97, P = 0.607) and all-cause death (HR: 1.33, 95% CI:0.35-5.05, P = 0.674) were in line with the unmatched analysis. The follow-up echocardiographic results were available for 72.2% of the overall cohort, and the use of BB was observed to be associated with higher improvement rate of follow-up FMR according to the IPTW analysis (92.2% vs. 98.3%, P = 0.033).

CONCLUSIONS

The administration of BB after SAVR was not associated with lower risk of MACCE for patients of severe aortic valve disease complicated with moderate FMR, but was potentially beneficial for improving FMR.

The Common Combination of Aortic Stenosis with Mitral Regurgitation: Diagnostic Insight and Therapeutic Implications in the Modern Era of Advanced Echocardiography and Percutaneous Intervention

The combination of aortic stenosis (AS) and mitral regurgitation (MR) is common in patients with degenerative valvular disease. It is characterized by having complex pathophysiology, leading to potential diagnostic pitfalls. Evidence is scarce in the literature to direct the diagnostic framework and treatment of patients with this particular combination of multiple valvular diseases. In this complex scenario, the appropriate use of advanced echocardiography and multimodality imaging methods plays a central role. Transcatheter mitral valve replacement or repair and transcatheter aortic valve replacement widen the surgical options for valve diseases. Therefore, there is an increasing need to reconsider the function, timing, and mode intervention for patients with a combination of AS with MR towards more personalized treatment.

The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Adult Cardiac Surgery Database: 2021 Update on Echocardiography

The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) Adult Cardiac Surgery Database (ACSD) is the world's premier clinical outcomes registry for adult cardiac surgery and a driving force for quality improvement in cardiac surgery. Echocardiographic data provide a wealth of hemodynamic, structural, and functional data and have been part of STS ACSD data collection since its inception. An increasing body of evidence suggests that the use of echocardiography in patients undergoing cardiac surgery has a positive impact on postoperative outcomes. In this report, we describe and summarize the type and rate of reporting of echocardiography-related variables in the STS ACSD, including the Adult Cardiac Anesthesiology Module, from July 2017 to December 2019 for the most frequently performed cardiac surgical procedures. With this review, we aim to increase awareness of the importance of collecting accurate and consistent echocardiography data in the STS ACSD and to highlight opportunities for growth and improvement.

Prognosis of functional mitral regurgitation after aortic valve replacement for pure severe aortic stenosis

OBJECTIVE

Whether patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) and significant functional mitral regurgitation (MR) should undergo isolated aortic (aortic valve replacement [AVR]) or double aortic-mitral valve procedure (DVP) remains controversial. We sought to determine outcomes of such patients undergoing surgical (surgical aortic valve replacement [SAVR]) and transcatheter AVR (TAVR) or DVP, identify echocardiographic parameters predictive of significant residual MR after isolated AVR, and determine its impact on long-term survival.

METHODS

Data prospectively collected from 736 consecutive patients with severe AS and significant MR undergoing AVR or DVP were retrospectively analyzed. Exclusion of organic MR, other valve diseases and concomitant CABG yielded a final population of 74 patients with significant functional MR (32 TAVR, 23 SAVR, 19 DVP). Demographics, postoperative complications and age-adjusted survival were compared. Echocardiographic predictors of significant residual MR and its impact on survival were analyzed for patients undergoing isolated AVR.

RESULTS

In the isolated AVR group, MR improvement occurred in 60% of patients and was associated with a significant increase in survival compared to persistence of significant MR (p = .03). Patients with improved MR had significantly greater preoperative left ventricular dilatation (LVEDD: 49 vs. 43 mm, p = .001; LVESD: 35 vs. 29 mm, p = .03; LVEDV: 101 vs. 71 ml, p = .0003; LVESV: 57 vs. 33 ml, p = .002). There was no significant difference in perioperative mortality (5.3 vs. 4.4 vs. 9.4%, p = .85) or age-adjusted long-term survival between isolated AVR and DVP groups (76.3 vs. 84.2% survival at 2-year follow-up, p = .26), or between SAVR, TAVR and DVP groups (78.2 vs. 75.0 vs. 84.2% survival at 2-year follow-up, p = .13).

CONCLUSIONS

After isolated AVR, MR improvement occurs in 60% of patients. It is predicted by greater ventricular dimensions and associated with significantly better long-term survival. Whether a staged approach with transcatheter correction of MR should be considered in patients with significant residual MR following AVR remains undetermined.

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

BACKGROUND

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

OBJECTIVE

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSIONS

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

Predictors and Outcome Impact of Mitral Regurgitation in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Several studies have reported that mitral regurgitation (MR) can improve following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) alone using earlier-generation valves. The purpose of this study was to determine the predictors and short-term outcome impact of MR in patients undergoing TAVR using all generation valves across all risk groups.

METHODS/MATERIALS

In this retrospective, study from 2012 to 2020, we reviewed data on 1822 low-, intermediate-, and high-risk patients who underwent TAVR. Included were 1266 patients with baseline MR who underwent transfemoral TAVR. Our primary outcome was persistence or worsening of baseline MR post-TAVR. Additional endpoints included an inpatient composite (intensive care unit length of stay >24 h, post-TAVR length of stay >2 days, and inpatient death), 30-day composite (30-day death or readmission), and 1-year composite (1-year death or readmission).

RESULTS

Of the 1266 patients included, 665 had significant baseline MR (≥moderate), which improved in 79.4% of patients (n=528). Female patients, those with lower body mass indices, and those with higher right ventricular systolic pressures were more likely to have persistence or worsening of baseline MR. Patients whose baseline MR persisted or worsened, had higher rates (80.3% vs. 77.3%, p=0.0019) of our inpatient composite, higher rates (15.3% vs. 10.0%, p=0.0389) of our 30-day composite, and higher rates (36.7% vs. 26.8%, p=0.0107) of our 1-year composite when compared to patients whose baseline MR improved post-TAVR.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study identifies clinical characteristics, which help identify patients who may require closer post-procedural follow-up and warrant possible staged mitral valve intervention post-TAVR across all risk groups.

Mitral Regurgitation in Patients With Coexisting Chronic Aortic Regurgitation: An Evidence-Based Narrative Review

Chronic aortic regurgitation (AR) frequently leads to significant downstream changes to the left ventricle and pulmonary vasculature; these structural and physiologic changes result in lower- than expected patient survival. Progressive, uncorrected AR can lead to left ventricle dilation and subsequent mitral valve leaflet tethering, as well as mitral annular dilation, resulting in secondary mitral regurgitation (MR) in up to 45% of patients. Surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR) improves secondary MR in most patients, but survival is significantly lower in those patients who do not show improvement in MR after AVR. Thus, there is considerable debate on whether the mitral valve should be intervened upon at the time of the AVR. In this review, the authors address the long-term outlook for patients with chronic AR and concurrent MR. The authors also review the available evidence on concomitant mitral valve surgery in patients undergoing AVR for AR. Lastly, this narrative review examines the recent advances in transcatheter mitral valve repair and replacement, and explores the potential role of transcatheter mitral therapies in patients with secondary MR due to AR.

Minimally Invasive Surgery for Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy With Mitral Regurgitation

BACKGROUND

To summarize the safety and effect of minimally invasive surgery for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) with significant mitral regurgitation through a single transaortic approach via right minithoracotomy.

METHODS

From 2008 to 2017, 51 HOCM patients with significant mitral regurgitation underwent minimally invasive surgery via right minithoracotomy. Preoperative peak left ventricular outflow tract pressure gradient (LVOTPG) was 96.53 ± 28.72 mm Hg. Preoperative average interventricular septum thickness was 24.31 ± 3.52 mm. All patients had significant mitral regurgitation with systolic anterior motion phenomenon. An oblique incision was made on the anterior wall of ascending aorta or aortic root. Modified Morrow procedure and edge-to-edge mitral valvuloplasty were performed through the single transaortic approach via right minithoracotomy.

RESULTS

All patients successfully underwent the minimally invasive surgery through the single transaortic approach via right minithoracotomy. At discharge, postoperative peak LVOTPG (18.16 ± 6.41 mm Hg) and interventricular septum thickness (14.33 ± 1.99 mm) were significantly decreased compared with preoperative values (P < .05). All patients had no or trivial mitral regurgitation. The average peak mitral valve pressure gradient was 3.39 ± 1.82 mm Hg. Systolic anterior motion phenomenon disappeared in all patients. During follow-up, peak LVOTPG was 19.27 ± 6.10 mm Hg; average interventricular septum thickness was 14.67 ± 1.87 mm. All patients had no or trivial mitral regurgitation. Average peak mitral valve pressure gradient was 3.04 ± 1.52 mm Hg. No systolic anterior motion phenomenon occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

Minimally invasive surgery of modified Morrow procedure and edge-to-edge mitral valvuloplasty through a single transaortic approach via right minithoracotomy could be safely and effectively applied for patients with HOCM and significant mitral regurgitation, which could also effectively eliminate systolic anterior motion phenomenon and without mitral valve stenosis.

An observational, prospective study on surgical treatment of secondary mitral regurgitation: The SMR study. Rationale, purposes, and protocol

The natural history of secondary mitral regurgitation (MR) is unfavorable. Nevertheless, there are no evidence that its correction can improve the outcome. If from one side the original cause of secondary MR can be such to limit the possibilities of improvement, from the other side it is possible that the surgical technique widely applied to repair, restrictive mitral annuloplasty, is not adequate to correct the regurgitation. The addition of valvular and/or subvalvular techniques has been considered a possible technical solution. However, we do not know the prevalence of each technique, how many times mitral replacement is used to correct secondary MR. This aspect is of particular importance, as we know that a successful mitral repair causes a better left ventricular systolic remodeling than a unsuccessful repair or replacement. This study is a prospective, observational registry, conceived to understand what is done in the real world. Any surgeon will use the technique he thinks the most suitable for the patient. Every year, for 5 years, patients will have a clinical and echocardiographic follow-up, to evaluate the risk factors for a worse result (death, rehospitalization for heart failure, reoperation for MR return, moderate, or more MR return). This knowledge will give us the possibility to understand which is the technique, or the strategy, more efficient to treat this disease and the real efficacy of the surgical treatment.

Mid-term effect of balloon aortic valvuloplasty on mitral regurgitation in aortic stenosis

Background

Balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) offers an alternative to conventional aortic valve replacement in elderly and frail patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) for whom there are no other effective options. We aimed to investigate the mid-term effect of BAV on mitral regurgitation (MR) in patients with severe AS.

Methods

Our analysis was based on the data from 83 patients with severe AS (mean age, 86 ± 5 years; female, 68) treated using BAV. Echocardiography was performed before the procedure and at 1 and 3 months after. MR was quantified by measuring the MR jet area, with more-than-moderate MR being clinically significant.

Results

Forty patients were classified in this group (MR group). Significant reduction of MR was observed in the MR group at 1 month and 3 months after procedure, with no improvement in patients in the non-MR group. At 3 months, 15 of the 40 patients in the MR group still had significant MR, with the change at 1 month in the left ventricular end-systolic dimension (OR: 1.36; 95% CI: 1.05–1.76; P = 0.022) and MR jet area (OR: 1.95; 95% CI: 1.16–3.29; P = 0.012) being predictive of persisting significant MR at 3 months after BAV. The prevalence of New York Heart Association functional class III or IV decreased at 1 and 3 months after BAV in both groups.

Conclusions

BAV provides a useful therapeutic strategy for elderly patients with severe AS who are not candidates for surgical or transcatheter aortic valve replacement, especially in those with significant MR.

Mitral valve annuloplasty versus no intervention for mild-to-moderate secondary mitral regurgitation in severe aortic regurgitation: a propensity-score matched analysis

BACKGROUND

The management strategy for secondary mitral regurgitation (MR) during aortic valve surgery for aortic regurgitations (ARs) remains controversial. This study aimed to compare the outcomes between mitral valve annuloplasty (MVP) and no intervention for managing 2+ or 3+ MR among severe patients with AR.

METHODS

Eighty-seven eligible patients with complete echocardiographic follow-up were included, with 51 patients in the MVP group and 36 in the No-MVP group. The MVP group had a larger left atrial (LA) diameter (44.2 ± 6.6 vs 49.4 ± 7.6 mm; P = .001) and a higher proportion of 3+ MR (33.3% vs 76.5%; P < .001) than the No-MVP group. After 1:1 propensity-score matching, the patients treated with and without MVP were balanced on 14 preoperative characteristics.

RESULTS

There was one in-hospital death in each group. In the propensity-score matched cohort, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in the cumulative incidence of residual 2+ MR during a follow-up of 26.4 ± 14.8 months (P = .64). The No-MVP group was associated with a more significant change in the left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (18.1 ± 7.9 vs 13.7 ± 8.7 mm; P = .02), while the changes in the LA diameter, left ventricular end-systolic dimension, and left ventricular ejection fraction were similar between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The severity of MR and the LA size may impact surgeons' decisions. MVP does not seem to add extra benefits to the outcomes, and it may be associated with worse left ventricular remodeling.

Echocardiographic evaluation of non-surgically treated mild-to-moderate mitral dysfunction in patients undergoing aortic valve replacement

Background

Surgical management of the mitral valve (MV) in patients with mild-to-moderate mitral dysfunction undergoing aortic valve replacement is still controversial. We investigated the echocardiographic data from patients with mild-to-moderate mitral dysfunction who did not undergo MV surgery.

Materials and methods

From January 1989 to June 2012, a total of 2731 patients underwent aortic valve replacement. Among these, 560 patients with mild-to-moderate mitral dysfunction were screened. Of these, 292 patients (61.9 ± 13.0 years; 113 females) who had not undergone MV surgery formed our study cohort. Survival, valve-related complication, and echocardiographic data were evaluated.

Results

There were three early deaths. During the mean follow-up period of 56.9 ± 46.5 months, there were 23 late deaths and 28 valve-related complications. Valve-related event-free survival at 5 years was 85.9% ± 2.4%. In serial postoperative echocardiographic evaluations (mean follow-up duration: 40.8 ± 44.5 months), 21 patients experienced a progression in late mitral dysfunction. At 5 years, 88.8% ± 2.7% of patients did not suffer from late mitral dysfunction. Based on multivariate analysis, rheumatic pathology of MV (Hazard Ratio: 3.88, 95% confidence intervals 1.60–9.39, p = 0.003) was an independent predictor of late mitral dysfunction.

Conclusions

Conservatively treated patients with mild-to-moderate mitral dysfunction exhibited acceptable clinical outcomes. Rheumatic pathology of MV is associated with a higher risk of progressive native MV dysfunction.

Treatment Challenges in Patients with Acute Heart Failure and Severe Aortic Valve Stenosis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The goal of this paper is to describe the treatment challenges in patients with aortic stenosis in combination with a reduced left ventricular function.

RECENT FINDINGS

Since the risk of mortality is increased in this patient population, transcatheter aortic valve implantation emerged as an important treatment option. Concomitant factors such as mitral regurgitation or coronary artery disease are important co-factors that need to be evaluated and taken into account for treatment decision. Treatment of the severe aortic stenosis is key in this complex setting. Since several co-factors may exist in addition to aortic stenosis, treatment needs to be decided by a Heart Team.

Significant mitral regurgitation worsens the prognosis and favors the decision of conservative treatment in octogenarians with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis

INTRODUCTION

The coexistence of significant mitral regurgitation (MR) and severe aortic stenosis is prevalent, has a prognostic impact and makes treatment in the elderly population a complex issue. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of significant MR among a population of octogenarians and its influence on treatment and prognosis.

METHODS

We used the data from PEGASO (Pronóstico de la Estenosis Grave Aórtica Sintomática del Octogenario), a prospective registry that consecutively included 928 patients aged ≥80 years with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis.

RESULTS

The prevalence of significant MR was 8.5% (79 patients) and independently associated with the decision to treat conservatively (odds ratio = 2.28, 95% confidence interval: 1.31-3.95, p = 0.003). The group of patients with significant MR had higher overall mortality at 12 months follow-up (51.9% vs 25%, p < 0.001), which remained on division into subgroups based on the presence of comorbidities (Charlson<5: 49.2% vs 21.9%, p < 0.001; and Charlson ≥5: 62.5% vs 41.7%, p = 0.07). Within the group of patients in whom conservative treatment was performed, those with significant MR had higher mortality at one year (62.7% vs 35%, p < 0.001). MR was a significant independent predictor of overall mortality at 12-month follow-up (hazard ratio = 1.87, 95% confidence interval: 1.09-3.18, p = 0.022).

CONCLUSIONS

Significant MR has a high prevalence and worsens the prognosis of octogenarian patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis, especially in patients with conservative treatment, independently of the existence of comorbidities.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement and Concomitant Mitral Regurgitation

Mitral regurgitation frequently coexists in patients with severe aortic stenosis. Patients with moderate to severe mitral regurgitation at the time of transcatheter aortic valve replacement are at increased risk of future adverse events. Whether concomitant mitral regurgitation is independently associated with worse outcomes after TAVR remains a matter of debate. The optimal therapeutic strategy in these patients-TAVR with evidence-based heart failure therapy, combined TAVR and transcatheter mitral valve intervention, or staged transcatheter therapies-is ill-defined, and guideline-based recommendations in patients at increased risk for open heart surgery are lacking. Hence, a thorough evaluation of the aortic and mitral valve anatomy and function, along with an in-depth assessment of the patients' baseline risk profile, provides the basis for an individualized treatment approach. The aim of this review is therefore to give an overview of the current literature on mitral regurgitation in TAVR, focusing on different diagnostic and therapeutic strategies and optimal clinical decision making.

Mitral regurgitation in patients with severe aortic stenosis: diagnosis and management

Severe aortic stenosis (AS) and mitral regurgitation (MR) frequently coexist. Although some observational studies have reported that moderate or severe MR is associated with higher mortality, the optimal management of such patients is still unclear. Simultaneous replacement of both aortic and mitral valves is linked to significantly higher morbidity and mortality. Recent advances in minimally invasive surgical or transcatheter therapies for MR allow for staged procedures in which surgical or transcatheter aortic valve replacement (SAVR/TAVR) is done first and MR severity re-evaluated afterwards. Current evidence suggests MR severity improves in some patients after SAVR or TAVR, depending on several factors (MR aetiology, type of valve used for TAVR, presence/absence of atrial fibrillation, residual aortic regurgitation, etc). However, as of today, the absence of randomised clinical trials does not allow for evidence-based recommendations about whether or not MR should be addressed at the time of SAVR or TAVR. A careful patient evaluation and clinical judgement are recommended to distinguish patients who might benefit from a double valve intervention from those in which MR should be left alone. The aim of this review is to report and critique the available data on this subject in order to help guide the clinical decision making in this challenging subset of patients.

Perioperative Strokes Following Surgical Correction of Mitral Valves: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

The primary aim of this meta-analysis was to quantify the impact of perioperative strokes on stroke-related mortality after open mitral valve (MV) procedures were performed.

METHODS

An electronic search of the PubMed, Embase, and the Web of Science databases was performed to retrieve articles published up to December 2015, relevant to patients undergoing MV procedures. Data were extracted from the final list of 25 studies to calculate a summary OR for 30-day stroke-related mortality.

RESULTS

The stroke rate in the total sample population was 1.62% (73/4,498). The 30-day all-cause mortality rate was 3.51% (158/4,498). The percentage of total deaths caused by stroke was 6.87%. The summary OR of stroke-related mortality following MV procedures was estimated to be 7.22 (95% CI 4.13-12.63, p < 0.0001). A subgroup analysis was done for studies involving concomitant MV surgery and coronary artery bypass grafting. The summary estimate of the subgroup showed an OR of 8.508 (95% CI 1.552-46.622, p = 0.0136).

CONCLUSION

Perioperative strokes following open MV procedures may be associated with more than 7 times greater odds of 30-day stroke-related mortality. They appear to be more commonly occurring than what is reported by current literature, making further studies investigating possible mechanisms and preventive measures a priority.

Mitral and aortic regurgitation following transcatheter aortic valve replacement

Objective

To analyse the impact of postprocedural mitral regurgitation (MR), in an interaction with aortic regurgitation (AR), on mortality following transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

Methods

To assess the interaction between MR and AR, we compared the survival rate of patients (i) without both significant MR and AR versus (ii) those with either significant MR or significant AR versus (iii) with significant MR and AR, all postprocedure. 381 participants of the Polish Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation Registry (166 males (43.6%) and 215 females (56.4%), age 78.8±7.4 years) were analysed. Follow-up was 94.1±96.5 days.

Results

Inhospital and midterm mortality were 6.6% and 10.2%, respectively. Significant MR and AR were present in 16% and 8.1% patients, including 3.1% patients with both significant MR and AR. Patients with significant versus insignificant AR differed with respect to mortality (log rank p=0.009). This difference was not apparent in a subgroup of patients without significant MR (log rank p=0.80). In a subgroup of patients without significant AR, there were no significant differences in mortality between individuals with versus without significant MR (log rank p=0.44). Significant MR and AR had a significant impact on mortality only when associated with each other (log rank p<0.0001). At multivariate Cox regression modelling concomitant significant MR and AR were independently associated with mortality (OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.54 to 5.71, p=0.002).

Conclusions

Significant MR or AR postprocedure, when isolated, had no impact on survival. Combined MR and AR had a significant impact on a patient's prognosis.

Aortic stenosis and mitral regurgitation: implications for transcatheter valve treatment

Moderate or severe mitral regurgitation (MR) is a common finding in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS). The combination may be a relative indication for double valve surgery, particularly when MR is severe, degenerative, associated with left atrial dilation, chronic atrial fibrillation, or mitral annular calcium. However, in patients for whom open surgery is not desirable, TAVI may provide a reasonable therapeutic strategy with an expectation in selected patients that MR may improve, be better tolerated, or be amenable to staged transcatheter mitral interventions. In this paper, we briefly review the surgical experience with concomitant AS and MR and discuss the potential implications of transcatheter-based heart valve techniques in this patient group.

Significant mitral regurgitation left untreated at the time of aortic valve replacement: a comprehensive review of a frequent entity in the transcatheter aortic valve replacement era

Significant mitral regurgitation (MR) is frequent in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS). In these cases, concomitant mitral valve repair or replacement is usually performed at the time of surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has recently been considered as an alternative for patients at high or prohibitive surgical risk. However, concomitant significant MR in this setting is typically left untreated. Moderate to severe MR after aortic valve replacement is therefore a relevant entity in the TAVR era. The purpose of this review is to present the current knowledge on the clinical impact and post-procedural evolution of concomitant significant MR in patients with severe AS who have undergone aortic valve replacement (SAVR and TAVR). This information could contribute to improving both the clinical decision-making process in and management of this challenging group of patients.

Incidental moderate mitral regurgitation in patients undergoing aortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis: review of guidelines and current evidence

Recent evidence has shown that moderate mitral regurgitation is common and clinically relevant in patients presenting for surgical and transcatheter aortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis. Prospective multicenter clinical trials are now indicated to resolve the clinical equipoise about whether or not mitral valve intervention also is indicated at the time of aortic valve intervention. Advances in three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography, transcatheter mitral interventions, and surgical aortic valve replacement, including the advent of sutureless valves, likely will expand the therapeutic possibilities for moderate mitral regurgitation in the setting of aortic valve interventions for severe aortic stenosis.