Echocardiographic prediction of survival after surgical correction of organic mitral regurgitation

Preprocedural transthoracic echocardiography for predicting outcomes of transcatheter edge-to-edge repair for chronic primary mitral regurgitation

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Limited data exist on the prognostic usefulness of transthoracic echocardiography preceding MitraClip for chronic primary mitral regurgitation (MR). We evaluated the predictive ability of transthoracic echocardiography in this setting.

METHODS

A total of 410 patients (median age, 83 years, 60.7% males) were included in the study. The primary outcome was the 1-year composite of all-cause mortality or heart failure hospitalization. Secondary endpoints encompassed individual elements of the primary outcome, the persistence of significant functional impairment or above-moderate MR at 1 year, and above-mild MR at 1-month.

RESULTS

The only parameter associated with the risk of the primary outcome was a ventricular end systolic diameter index of ≥2.1 cm/m2, corresponding to the cohort's 4th quartile (HR, 2.44; 95%CI, 1.09-4.68; P=.022). Concurrently, higher left atrial volume index (LAVi) and a mid-diastolic medial-lateral mitral annular diameter (MAD) equal to or above the cohort's median of 32.2mm were linked to a higher probability of death and heart failure hospitalization, respectively. LAVi of ≥ 60mL/m2, above-mild mitral annular calcification, and above-moderate tricuspid regurgitation conferred higher odds of functional class III-IV or above-moderate MR persistence. All variables except LAVi and MAD, as well as indexed mid-diastolic medial-lateral MAD of ≥ 20.2mm/m2 and mitral effective regurgitant orifice area of ≥ 0.40 cm2, were associated with greater-than-mild MR at 1 month.

CONCLUSIONS

Preprocedural increased indexed left heart dimensions, mainly left ventricular end-systolic diameter index, MAD, mitral annular calcification, mitral effective regurgitant orifice area, and tricuspid regurgitation mark a less favorable course post-MitraClip for chronic primary MR.

Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation and management of mitral valve prolapse - a comprehensive review

Mitral valve prolapse is a common valve disorder that usually has a benign prognosis unless there is significant regurgitation or LV impairment. However, a subset of patients are at an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death, which has led to the recognition of "arrhythmic mitral valve prolapse" as a clinical entity. Emerging risk factors include mitral annular disjunction and myocardial fibrosis. While echocardiography remains the primary method of evaluation, cardiac magnetic resonance has become crucial in managing this condition. Cine magnetic resonance sequences provide accurate characterization of prolapse and annular disjunction, assessment of ventricular volumes and function, identification of early dysfunction and remodeling, and quantitative assessment of mitral regurgitation when integrated with flow imaging. However, the unique strength of magnetic resonance lies in its ability to identify tissue changes. T1 mapping sequences identify diffuse fibrosis, in turn related to early ventricular dysfunction and remodeling. Late gadolinium enhancement sequences detect replacement fibrosis, an independent risk factor for ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. There are consensus documents and reviews on the use of cardiac magnetic resonance specifically in arrhythmic mitral valve prolapse. However, in this article, we propose an algorithm for the broader use of cardiac magnetic resonance in managing this condition in various scenarios. Future advancements may involve implementing techniques for tissue characterization and flow analysis, such as 4D flow imaging, to identify patients with ventricular dysfunction and remodeling, increased arrhythmic risk, and more accurate grading of mitral regurgitation, ultimately benefiting patient selection for surgical therapy.

Preoperative Echocardiographically Derived Mean dP/dTic Predicts Early Post-operative Dysfunction in Children Undergoing Mitral Valve Surgery

Mean dP/dtic is a quantitative measurement of ventricular function that can be obtained noninvasively by echocardiography. In adults with mitral regurgitation (MR), it has been shown to be a more sensitive predictor of postoperative left ventricular ejection fraction (EF). The utility of dP/dtic in pediatric congenital heart diseases with MR has been underexplored. Patients (0 to ≤ 19 years) with MR who underwent mitral valve (MV) repair or replacement from 2015 to 2021 were included. Echocardiographically derived mean dP/dtic, Tei index, and EF were used to assess and compare ventricular function prior to, shortly after, and late after MV surgery. Study cohort included 61 patients (age 4.5 [IQR 0.14, 18.7] years, 89% MV repair, 11% MV replacement). Median time intervals between surgery and preoperative, early postoperative, and late postoperative echocardiograms were 6 days, 6 days, and 350 days, respectively. Median EF was 62% (z-score - 0.40) preoperatively, 56% (z-score - 1.40) early postoperatively, and 61% (z-score - 0.60) late postoperatively. Median dP/dtic was 1393 (IQR 1029, 1775) mmHg/s preoperatively, 1178 (IQR 886, 1946) mmHg/s early postoperatively, and 1270 (IQR 791, 1765) mmHg/s late postoperatively. Preoperative median dP/dtic correlated with early and late postoperative EF. Preoperative EF was not significantly correlated with early postoperative EF, but was correlated with late postoperative EF. Mitral valve intervention in pediatric patients is associated with an initial decline but subsequent recovery of systolic function. Non-invasively derived mean dP/dtic may offer advantages over other preoperative echocardiographic indices to predict postoperative systolic function.

Predicting postoperative systolic dysfunction in mitral regurgitation: CT vs. echocardiography

Introduction

Volume overload from mitral regurgitation can result in left ventricular systolic dysfunction. To prevent this, it is essential to operate before irreversible dysfunction occurs, but the optimal timing of intervention remains unclear. Current echocardiographic guidelines are based on 2D linear measurement thresholds only. We compared volumetric CT-based and 2D echocardiographic indices of LV size and function as predictors of post-operative systolic dysfunction following mitral repair.

Methods

We retrospectively identified patients with primary mitral valve regurgitation who underwent repair between 2005 and 2021. Several indices of LV size and function measured on preoperative cardiac CT were compared with 2D echocardiography in predicting post-operative LV systolic dysfunction (LVEFecho <50%). Area under the curve (AUC) was the primary metric of predictive performance.

Results

A total of 243 patients were included (mean age 57 ± 12 years; 65 females). The most effective CT-based predictors of post-operative LV systolic dysfunction were ejection fraction [LVEFCT; AUC 0.84 (95% CI: 0.77-0.92)] and LV end systolic volume indexed to body surface area [LVESViCT; AUC 0.88 (0.82-0.95)]. The best echocardiographic predictors were LVEFecho [AUC 0.70 (0.58-0.82)] and LVESDecho [AUC 0.79 (0.70-0.89)]. LVEFCT was a significantly better predictor of post-operative LV systolic dysfunction than LVEFecho (p = 0.02) and LVESViCT was a significantly better predictor than LVESDecho (p = 0.03). Ejection fraction measured by CT demonstrated significantly greater reproducibility than echocardiography.

Discussion

CT-based volumetric measurements may be superior to established 2D echocardiographic parameters for predicting LV systolic dysfunction following mitral valve repair. Validation with prospective study is warranted.

Determinants of post-operative left ventricular dysfunction in degenerative mitral regurgitation

AIMS

Chronic degenerative mitral regurgitation leads to volume overload causing left ventricular (LV) enlargement and eventually LV impairment. Current guidelines determining thresholds for intervention are based on LV diameters and ejection fraction (LVEF). There are sparse data examining the value of LV volumes and newer markers of LV performance on outcomes of surgery in mitral valve prolapse. The aim of this study is to identify the best marker of LV impairment after mitral valve surgery.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Prospective, observational study of patients with mitral valve prolapse undergoing mitral valve surgery. Pre-operative LV diameters, volumes, LVEF, global longitudinal strain (GLS), and myocardial work measured. Post-operative LV impairment defined as LVEF < 50% at 1 year post-surgery. Eighty-seven patients included. Thirteen percent developed post-operative LV impairment. Patients with post-operative LV dysfunction showed significantly larger indexed LV end-systolic diameters, indexed LV end-systolic volumes (LVESVi), lower LVEF, and more abnormal GLS than patients without post-operative LV dysfunction. In multivariate analysis, LVESVi [odds ratio 1.11 (95% CI 1.01-1.23), P = 0.039] and GLS [odds ratio 1.46 (95% CI 1.00-2.14), P = 0.054] were the only independent predictors of post-operative LV dysfunction. The optimal cut-off of 36.3 mL/m2 for LVESVi had a sensitivity of 82% and specificity of 78% for detection of post-operative LV impairment.

CONCLUSION

Post-operative LV impairment is common. Indexed LV volumes (36.3 mL/m2) provided the best marker of post-operative LV impairment.

Primary Mitral Regurgitation and Heart Failure: Current Advances in Diagnosis and Management

Primary mitral regurgitation is a frequent etiology of congestive heart failure and is best treated with intervention when patients are symptomatic or when additional risk factors exist. Surgical intervention improves outcomes in appropriately selected patients. However, for those at high surgical risk, transcatheter intervention provides less invasive repair and replacement options while providing comparable outcomes to surgery. The excess mortality and high prevalence of heart failure in untreated mitral regurgitation illuminate the need for further developments in mitral valve intervention ideally fulfilled by expanding these types of procedures and eligibility to these procedures beyond only those at high surgical risk.

Clinical and Prognostic Implications of Cardiopulmonary Exercise Stress Echocardiography in Asymptomatic Degenerative Mitral Regurgitation

The current guidelines recommend intervention in severe degenerative mitral regurgitation (MR) in symptomatic patients or asymptomatic patients with left ventricular dilatation or dysfunction. The insidious onset of symptoms may mean that patients do not report their symptoms. The role of systematic exercise testing for symptoms in MR is not clearly defined. A total of 97 patients with moderate to severe asymptomatic MR underwent exercise echocardiography combined with cardiopulmonary exercise testing. The predictors of exercise-induced dyspnea, symptom-free survival, and mitral valve intervention were identified. A total of 18 patients (19%) developed limiting dyspnea on exercise. Spontaneous symptom-free survival at 24 months was significantly higher in those without exercise-induced symptoms than those with exercise-induced symptoms, p <0.0001. The only independent predictors of spontaneous symptoms at 2 years were effective regurgitant orifice area (odds ratio 27.45, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.43 to 528.40, p = 0.03) and exercise-induced symptoms (odds ratio 11.56, 95% CI 1.71 to 78.09, p = 0.01). The only independent predictor of surgery was indexed left ventricular systolic volumes (odds ratio 1.17, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.30, p = 0.006). Where only the patients who underwent surgery due to symptoms were included, the only independent predictor was exercise-induced symptoms (odds ratio 13.94, 95% CI 1.39 to 140.27, p = 0.025). In conclusion, in patients with primary asymptomatic degenerative MR, 1/5 develop revealed symptoms during exercise. This predicts a subsequent development of spontaneous symptoms and mitral valve intervention due to symptoms.

Benefits of sacubitril/valsartan use in patients with chronic heart failure after cardiac valve surgery: a single-center retrospective study

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy of sacubitril/valsartan for the treatment of patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) after cardiac valve surgery (CVS).

METHODS

Data were collected from 259 patients who underwent CVS due to valvular heart disease and were admitted to the hospital with CHF from January 2018 to December 2020. The patients were divided into Group A (treatment with sacubitril/valsartan) and Group B (treatment without sacubitril/valsartan). The duration of treatment and follow-up was 6 months. The two groups' prior and clinical characteristics, post-treatment data, mortality, and follow-up data were analysed.

RESULTS

The effective rate of Group A was higher than that of Group B (82.56% versus 65.52%, P < 0.05). The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF, %) was improved in both groups. The final value minus the initial value was (11.14 ± 10.16 versus 7.15 ± 11.18, P = 0.004). The left ventricular end-diastolic/-systolic diameter (LVEDD/LVESD, mm) in Group A decreased more than in Group B. The final value minus the initial value was (-3.58 ± 9.21 versus - 0.27 ± 14.44, P = 0.026; -4.21 ± 8.15 versus - 1.14 ± 12.12, P = 0.016, respectively). Both groups decreased the N-terminal prohormone of B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP, pg/ml). The final value minus initial value was [-902.0(-2226.0, -269.5) versus - 535.0(-1738, -7.0), P = 0.029]. The systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP/DBP, mmHg) in Group A decreased more than in Group B. The final value minus the initial value was (-13.13 ± 23.98 versus - 1.81 ± 10.89, P < 0.001; -8.28 ± 17.79 versus - 2.37 ± 11.41, P = 0.005, respectively). Liver and renal insufficiency, hyperkalaemia, symptomatic hypotension, angioedema, and acute heart failure had no statistical differences between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Sacubitril/valsartan can effectively improve the cardiac function of patients with CHF after CVS by increasing LVEF and reducing LVEDD, LVESD, NT-proBNP, and BP, with good safety.

Contemporary Anatomic Criteria and Clinical Outcomes With Transcatheter Mitral Repair

BACKGROUND

Consensus-driven criteria have recently been proposed for prediction of mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair outcomes, yet validation for response to therapy is needed. We examined the relation between contemporary criteria and outcomes with mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair therapy.

METHODS

Mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair patients were classified according to anatomic and clinical criteria (1) Heart Valve Collaboratory criteria for nonsuitability; (2) commercial indications (suitable); and (3) neither (ie, intermediate). Analyses for Mitral Valve Academic Research Consortium-defined outcomes of reduction in mitral regurgitation and survival were performed.

RESULTS

Among 386 patients (median age, 82 years; 48% women), the most common classification was intermediate (46%), with 138 patients (36%) and 70 patients (18%) in the suitable and nonsuitable categories, respectively. Nonsuitable classification was related to prior valve surgery, smaller mitral valve area, type IIIa morphology, larger coaptation depth, and shorter posterior leaflet. Nonsuitable classification was associated with less technical success (P<0.001) and survival free of mortality, heart failure hospitalization, and mitral surgery (P<0.001). Among the nonsuitable patients, technical failure or any 30-day major adverse cardiac event occurred in 25.7%. Nevertheless, in these patients, acceptable mitral regurgitation reduction without adverse events still occurred in 69%, and their 1-year survival with mild or no symptoms was 52%.

CONCLUSIONS

Contemporary classification criteria identify patients less suitable for mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair with respect to acute procedural success and survival, though patients most commonly fit an intermediate category. In experienced centers, sufficient mitral regurgitation reduction can be achieved safely in the selected patients even with challenging anatomy.

Prognostic value of forward flow indices in primary mitral regurgitation due to mitral valve prolapse

Background

Degenerative mitral regurgitation (DMR) due to mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a common valve disease associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Timing for surgery is debated for asymptomatic patients without Class I indication, prompting the search for novel parameters of early left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction.

Aims

To evaluate the prognostic impact of preoperative forward flow indices on the occurrence of post-operative LV systolic dysfunction.

Methods

We retrospectively included all consecutive patients with severe DMR due to MVP who underwent mitral valve repair between 2014 and 2019. LVOT_TVI, forward stroke volume index, and forward LVEF were assessed as potential risk factors for LVEF <50% at 6 months post-operatively.

Results

A total of 198 patients were included: 154 patients (78%) were asymptomatic, and 46 patients (23%) had hypertension. The mean preoperative LVEF was 69 ± 9%. 35 patients (18%) had LVEF ≤ 60%, and 61 patients (31%) had LVESD ≥40 mm. The mean post-operative LVEF was 59 ± 9%, and 21 patients (11%) had post-operative LVEF<50%. Based on multivariable analysis, LVOT_TVI was the strongest independent predictor of post-operative LV dysfunction after adjustment for age, sex, symptoms, LVEF, LV end systolic diameter, atrial fibrillation and left atrial volume index (0.75 [0.62-0.91], p < 0.01). The best sensitivity (81%) and specificity (63%) was obtained with LVOTTVI ≤15 cm based on ROC curve analysis.

Conclusion

LVOT_TVI represents an independent marker of myocardial performance impairment in the presence of severe DMR. LVOT_TVI could be an earlier marker than traditional echo parameters and aids in the optimization of the timing of surgery.

Research Opportunities in the Treatment of Mitral Valve Prolapse: JACC Expert Panel

In light of the adverse prognosis related to severe mitral regurgitation, heart failure, or sudden cardiac death in a subset of patients with mitral valve prolapse (MVP), identifying those at higher risk is key. For the first time in decades, researchers have the means to rapidly advance discovery in the field of MVP thanks to state-of-the-art imaging techniques, novel omics methodologies, and the potential for large-scale collaborations using web-based platforms. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute recently initiated a webinar-based workshop to identify contemporary research opportunities in the treatment of MVP. This report summarizes 3 specific areas in the treatment of MVP that were the focus of the workshop: 1) improving management of degenerative mitral regurgitation and associated left ventricular systolic dysfunction; 2) preventing sudden cardiac death in MVP; and 3) understanding the mechanisms and progression of MVP through genetic studies and small and large animal models, with the potential of developing medical therapies.

Late plasma exosome microRNA-21-5p depicts magnitude of reverse ventricular remodeling after early surgical repair of primary mitral valve regurgitation

Introduction

Primary mitral valve regurgitation (MR) results from degeneration of mitral valve apparatus. Mechanisms leading to incomplete postoperative left ventricular (LV) reverse remodeling (Rev-Rem) despite timely and successful surgical mitral valve repair (MVR) remain unknown. Plasma exosomes (pEXOs) are smallest nanovesicles exerting early postoperative cardioprotection. We hypothesized that late plasma exosomal microRNAs (miRs) contribute to Rev-Rem during the late postoperative period.

Methods

Primary MR patients (n = 19; age, 45-71 years) underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and blood sampling before (T0) and 6 months after (T1) MVR. The postoperative LV Rev-Rem was assessed in terms of a decrease in LV end-diastolic volume and patients were stratified into high (HiR-REM) and low (LoR-REM) LV Rev-Rem subgroups. Isolated pEXOs were quantified by nanoparticle tracking analysis. Exosomal microRNA (miR)-1, -21-5p, -133a, and -208a levels were measured by RT-qPCR. Anti-hypertrophic effects of pEXOs were tested in HL-1 cardiomyocytes cultured with angiotensin II (AngII, 1 μM for 48 h).

Results

Surgery zeroed out volume regurgitation in all patients. Although preoperative pEXOs were similar in both groups, pEXO levels increased after MVR in HiR-REM patients (+0.75-fold, p = 0.016), who showed lower cardiac mass index (-11%, p = 0.032). Postoperative exosomal miR-21-5p values of HiR-REM patients were higher than other groups (p < 0.05). In vitro, T1-pEXOs isolated from LoR-REM patients boosted the AngII-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, but not postoperative exosomes of HiR-REM. This adaptive effect was counteracted by miR-21-5p inhibition.

Summary/Conclusion

High levels of miR-21-5p-enriched pEXOs during the late postoperative period depict higher LV Rev-Rem after MVR. miR-21-5p-enriched pEXOs may be helpful to predict and to treat incomplete LV Rev-Rem after successful early surgical MVR.

Machine Learning-Based Personalized Risk Prediction Model for Mortality of Patients Undergoing Mitral Valve Surgery: The PRIME Score

Background

Mitral valve surgery (MVS) is an effective treatment for mitral valve diseases. There is a lack of reliable personalized risk prediction models for mortality in patients undergoing mitral valve surgery. Our aim was to develop a risk stratification system to predict all-cause mortality in patients after mitral valve surgery.

Methods

Different machine learning models for the prediction of all-cause mortality were trained on a derivation cohort of 1,883 patients undergoing mitral valve surgery [split into a training cohort (70%) and internal validation cohort (30%)] to predict all-cause mortality. Forty-five clinical variables routinely evaluated at discharge were used to train the models. The best performance model (PRIME score) was tested in an externally validated cohort of 220 patients undergoing mitral valve surgery. The model performance was evaluated according to the area under the curve (AUC). Net reclassification improvement (NRI) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) were compared with existing risk strategies.

Results

After a median follow-up of 2 years, there were 133 (7.063%) deaths in the derivation cohort and 17 (7.727%) deaths in the validation cohort. The PRIME score showed an AUC of 0.902 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.849–0.956) in the internal validation cohort and 0.873 (95% CI: 0.769–0.977) in the external validation cohort. In the external validation cohort, the performance of the PRIME score was significantly improved compared with that of the existing EuroSCORE II (NRI = 0.550, [95% CI 0.001–1.099], P = 0.049, IDI = 0.485, [95% CI 0.230–0.741], P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Machine learning-based model (the PRIME score) that integrate clinical, demographic, imaging, and laboratory features demonstrated superior performance for the prediction of mortality patients after mitral valve surgery compared with the traditional risk model EuroSCORE II.

Clinical Trial Registration

[http://www.clinicaltrials.gov], identifier [NCT05141292].

Are There Any Differences in the Prognostic Value of Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction in Coronary Artery Disease Patients With or Without Moderate and Severe Mitral Regurgitation?

Background

Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is a vital variable to describe left ventricle systolic function and contractility of left ventricle. However, the association between LVEF and the prognostic effect in patients with moderate or severe mitral regurgitation (MR) is still controversial.

Methods

This study comprised 30,775 coronary artery disease (CAD) patients who underwent coronary arteriography (CAG) in the Cardiorenal ImprovemeNt (CIN) registry from January 2007 to December 2018. Patients were divided into none or mild MR group and moderate or severe MR group, and 3 levels of LVEF ≥50, 40–50%, and <40% were further distinguished according to hospital baseline. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional analyses were used to investigate the association between LVEF levels and long-term all-cause mortality in patients with different MR severities.

Results

Of 30,775 CAD patients (62.9 ± 10.6 years, females 23.8%), 26,474 (86.0%) patients had none or mild MR. Compared with none or mild MR patients, patients with moderate or severe MR were older and had worse cardio-renal function. In multivariable Cox proportional analysis, LVEF <40% was independently associated with higher mortality compared with LVEF ≥ 50% in all kinds of MR severity {none or mild MR [adjusted hazard ratio (HR): 1.79; 95% CI: 1.56–2.05, p < 0.001], moderate or severe MR [adjusted HR: 1.57; 95% CI: 1.29–1.91, p < 0.001]}.

Conclusions

LVEF is a reliable prognostic index in CAD patients, even in those with moderate or severe MR. LVEF monitoring would still be clinically useful in CAD patients with moderate or severe MR. Clinical trials are needed to prospectively evaluate the optimal threshold for LVEF in patients with moderate or severe MR.

Clinical Features and Outcomes in Adults With Childhood Repair of Partial Atrioventricular Septal Defect

Background

Partial atrioventricular septal defects (pAVSDs) are mostly repaired in childhood; however, there are limited data describing these patients in adulthood.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to describe clinical course and associations with outcomes in adults with repaired pAVSDs.

Methods

A retrospective review of adults (≥18 years) with pAVSDs repaired in childhood who presented to the Adult Congenital Heart Disease Clinic at our institution was conducted.

Results

Of 121 patients, the median age was 31 years (IQR: 22-43 years) and 71.9% were female. The median number of operations at the time of presentation was 1 (IQR: 1-2). Left atrioventricular valve (LAVV) replacement had been performed in 19.8% of patients. Among those with native LAVV, 41.2% had ≥ moderate regurgitation. Atrial arrhythmias were present in 34.7% and were associated with later age at repair (P = 0.02) and a high number of prior surgeries (P = 0.005). Estimated systolic pulmonary artery pressure >40 mmHg was seen in 19.8%. Over 4 (IQR: 1-12) years of follow-up, death occurred in 13 (10.7%) patients and reoperation was required in 39.7%. One-third had a LAVV prosthesis by the end of the study. Atrial fibrillation was independently associated with death or hospitalization on multivariable analysis.

Conclusions

In this cohort of adults with pAVSDs repaired in childhood, atrial fibrillation was common at a young age and associated with worse outcomes. Thus, more studies are needed evaluating the cause of this arrhythmia burden and possible associated atrial myopathy. While many require surgery in adulthood, more information is needed regarding indications for and impacts of LAVV intervention as one-third had an LAVV prosthesis by the end of follow-up.

Current Unmet Needs and Clues to the Solution in the Management of Tricuspid Regurgitation

The clinical importance of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) has been recently highlighted. However, there remain several unmet needs with the diagnosis and treatment of TR. The major dilemma is a delayed treatment decision and an intervention at an advanced stage. Other important unmet needs are limitations in diagnostic imaging modalities, ambiguity in the guidelines regarding the interventional criteria, high surgical mortality, uncertainty in the reversibility of the right ventricle, and lack of long-term clinical data after the intervention. We have discussed such overall aspects of TR, the problems frequently experienced by clinical physicians and future strategies to improve the treatment of TR.

Although tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is a general medical issue with growing prevalence and socioeconomic burden, most clinicians have not paid much attention to TR in the past. Several problems of TR have been pointed out in clinical practice, which include: ambiguous clinical manifestations and the difficulty in initial detection, limitations in generally used diagnostic tools, the absence of objective criterion for therapeutic intervention, high operative morbidity and mortality, and lack of long-term clinical data after the intervention for TR. Therefore, patients with TR usually visit clinicians at a much-advanced state, and this delay gives a major dilemma in clinical decision-making in a routine clinical practice. To improve the clinical outcome of TR, we need more knowledge about TR for solving the current problems and making strategies for better clinical practice. With this background, we have discussed in the present article about the pathophysiology of TR and the problems frequently experienced by clinical physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of TR. Furthermore, we have discussed the future strategy to improve the treatment of TR.

Mitral Annular Disjunction of Degenerative Mitral Regurgitation: Three-Dimensional Evaluation and Implications for Mitral Repair

BACKGROUND

The dynamic consequences of mitral annular disjunction (MAD) on the mitral apparatus and the left ventricle remain unclear and are crucial in the context of mitral surgery. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess mitral valvular, annular, and ventricular dynamics in mitral valve prolapse (MVP) stratified by presence of MAD.

METHODS

In 61 patients (mean age, 62 ± 11 years; 25% women) with MVP and severe mitral regurgitation undergoing mitral surgery between 2009 and 2016, valvular and annular dimensions and dynamics by two-dimensional transthoracic and three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography and left ventricular dimensions and dynamics were analyzed stratified by presence of MAD before and after surgery.

RESULTS

MAD (mean, 8 ± 3 mm) was diagnosed in 27 patients (44%; with a mean effective regurgitant orifice area of 0.55 ± 0.20 cm² and similar to patients without MAD), more frequently in bileaflet prolapse (52% vs 18% in patients without MAD, P = .004), consistently involving P2 (P = .005). Patients with MAD displayed larger diastolic annular areas (mean, 1,646 ± 410 vs 1,380 ± 348 mm²), circumferences (mean, 150 ± 19 vs 137 ± 16 mm), and intercommissural diameters (mean, 48 ± 7 vs 43 ± 6 mm) compared with those without MAD (P ≤ .008 for all). Dynamically, mid- and late systolic excess intercommissural diameter, annular area, and circumference enlargement were associated with MAD (P ≤ .01 for all). MAD was also associated with dynamically annular slippage, larger prolapse volume and height (P ≤ .007), and larger leaflet area (mean, 2,053 ± 620 vs 1,692 ± 488 mm², P = .01). Although patients with MAD compared with those without MAD showed similar ejection fractions (mean, 65 ± 5% vs 62 ± 8%, respectively, P = .10), systolic basal posterior thickness was increased in patients with MAD (mean, 19 ± 2 vs 15 ± 2 mm, P < .001), with higher systolic thickening of the basal posterior wall (mean, 74 ± 27% vs 50 ± 28%) and higher ratio of basal wall thickness to diameter (P ≤ .01 for both). However, after mitral repair, MAD disappeared, and LV diameter, wall thickness, and wall thickening showed no difference between patients with MAD and those without MAD (P ≥ .10 for all).

CONCLUSIONS

MAD in patients with MVP involves a predominant phenotype of bileaflet MVP and causes profound annular dynamic alterations with considerable expansion and excess annular enlargement in systole, potentially affecting leaflet coaptation. MAD myocardial and annular slippage simulates vigorous left ventricular function without true benefit after surgical annular suture. Thus, although MAD does not hinder the feasibility and quality of valve repair, it requires careful suture of ring to ventricular myocardium, lest it persist postoperatively.

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.

Intrinsic cardiac elastography in patients with primary mitral regurgitation: predictive role after mitral valve repair

AIMS

Chronic volume-overload can impair systolic and diastolic myocardial properties. We tested the hypothesis that Intrinsic Cardiac Elastography may detect alterations in passive myocardial elasticity in patients with chronic severe mitral regurgitation (MR) and predict worsening left ventricular (LV) function after mitral valve repair (MVr).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Comprehensive transthoracic echocardiography and cardiac elastography were performed in 80 patients with primary MR (prolapse and/or flail leaflets) of varying severity and compared with 40 normal subjects. In patients who underwent MVr (n = 51), elastography measurements were related to changes in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) at short-term (3-4 days post-op) and mid-term (1 year) follow-up. Most patients were asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic and had preserved LVEF (>60%). Intrinsic velocity propagation (iVP) of myocardial stretch, a direct measure of myocardial stiffness, was higher in patients with severe MR {median 2.0 [interquartile range (IQR) 1.5-2.2] m/s, range 1.1-3.4 m/s; n = 56} compared to normal subjects [median 1.7 (IQR 1.5-1.8) m/s; n = 40; P = 0.0005], but not in those with mild or moderate MR [median 1.7 (IQR 1.4-1.9) m/s; n = 24]. A higher iVP was associated with more severe LV volume-overload and LV and left atrial enlargement (P < 0.05 for all). In patients undergoing MVr, a higher iVP independently predicted a larger drop in LVEF post-intervention (short-term, P = 0.001; 1 year, P = 0.007), incrementally to pre-operative LVEF (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Non-invasive measurements of myocardial stiffness were able to predict functional deterioration after MVr for chronic primary MR. Further studies should investigate the mechanisms and practical utility of this novel measurement.

Early surgery is associated with improved long-term survival compared to class I indication for isolated severe tricuspid regurgitation

BACKGROUND

Isolated tricuspid valve (TV) surgery has higher mortality compared with other single-valve operations. The optimal timing and indications remain controversial, and earlier surgery before the development of class I surgical indications may improve outcomes. We aimed to compare the characteristics and outcomes of surgery for isolated tricuspid regurgitation (TR), based on class I indication versus an earlier operation.

METHODS

Consecutive patients undergoing isolated TV surgery for TR without other concomitant valve surgery at our center during 2004 to 2018 were studied. Indications were divided into class I versus earlier surgery (asymptomatic severe TR with right ventricular dilation and/or dysfunction) for comparative analyses of characteristics and outcomes. The primary outcome was mortality.

RESULTS

The study included 159 patients (91 females [57.2%]; 115 for class I, 44 for early surgery), with a mean age of 59.7 ± 15.6 years, 119 (74.8%) with surgical repairs, and a mean follow-up of 5.1 ± 4.0 years. Overall operative mortality was 5.1% (8 patients) (class I, 7.0%; early surgery, 0.0%; P = .107), and class I had a higher composite morbidity than early surgery (35.7% [n = 41] vs 18.2% [n = 8]; P = .036). On Cox proportional hazard model analysis, class I versus early surgery (hazard ratio [HR], 4.62; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09-19.7; P = .04), age (HR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.00-1.07; P = .046), and diabetes (HR, 2.50; 95% CI, 1.13-5.55; P = .024) were independently associated with higher mortality during follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with class I indication for isolated TV surgery had worse survival compared with those undergoing earlier surgery before reaching class I indication. Earlier surgery may improve outcomes in these high-risk patients.

Structural Heart Interventions During COVID-19

The spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic across the globe and the United States presented unprecedented challenges with dawn of new policies to reserve resources and protect the public. One of the major policies adopted by hospitals across the nations were postponement of non-emergent procedures such as transaortic valve replacement (TAVR), left atrial appendage closure device (LAAC), MitraClip and CardioMEMS. Guidelines were based mainly on the avoidable clinical outcomes occurring during COVID-19 era. As our understanding of the SARS-CoV-2 evolved, advanced cardiac procedures may safely continue through careful advanced coordination. We aim to highlight the new guidelines published by different major cardiovascular societies, and discuss solutions to safely perform procedures to improve outcomes in a patient population with high acuity of illness during the COVID-19 pandemic era.

Forward Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction as a Predictor of Postoperative Left Ventricular Dysfunction in Patients with Degenerative Mitral Regurgitation

Background: Left ventricular dysfunction (LVD) can occur immediately after mitral valve repair (MVr) for degenerative mitral regurgitation (DMR) in some patients with normal preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). This study investigated whether forward LVEF, calculated as left ventricular outflow tract stroke volume divided by left ventricular end-diastolic volume, could predict LVD immediately after MVr in patients with DMR and normal LVEF. Methods: Echocardiographic and clinical data were retrospectively evaluated in 234 patients with DMR ≥ moderate and preoperative LVEF ≥ 60%. LVD and non-LVD were defined as LVEF < 50% and ≥50%, respectively, as measured by echocardiography after MVr and before discharge. Results: Of the 234 patients, 52 (22.2%) developed LVD at median three days (interquartile range: 3–4 days). Preoperative forward LVEF in the LVD and non-LVD groups were 24.0% (18.9–29.5%) and 33.2% (26.4–39.4%), respectively (p < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses showed that forward LVEF was predictive of LVD, with an area under the ROC curve of 0.79 (95% confidence interval: 0.73–0.86), and an optimal cut-off was 31.8% (sensitivity: 88.5%, specificity: 58.2%, positive predictive value: 37.7%, and negative predictive value: 94.6%). Preoperative forward LVEF significantly correlated with preoperative mitral regurgitant volume (correlation coefficient [CC] = −0.86, p < 0.001) and regurgitant fraction (CC = −0.98, p < 0.001), but not with preoperative LVEF (CC = 0.112, p = 0.088). Conclusion: Preoperative forward LVEF could be useful in predicting postoperative LVD immediately after MVr in patients with DMR and normal LVEF, with an optimal cut-off of 31.8%.

Changes in Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction after Mitral Valve Repair for Primary Mitral Regurgitation

This study sought to identify the short- and long-term changes in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) after mitral valve repair (MVr) in patients with chronic primary mitral regurgitation according to preoperative LVEF (pre-LVEF) and preoperative left ventricular end-systolic diameter (pre-LVESD). This study evaluated 461 patients. Restricted cubic spline regression models were constructed to demonstrate the long-term changes in postoperative LVEF (post-LVEF). The patients were divided into four groups according to pre-LVEF (<50%, 50–60%, 60–70%, and ≥70%). The higher the pre-LVEF was, the greater was the decrease in LVEF immediately after MVr. In the same pre-LVEF range, immediate post-LVEF was lower in patients with pre-LVESD ≥ 40 mm than in those with pre-LVESD < 40 mm. The patterns of long-term changes in post-LVEF differed according to pre-LVEF (p for interaction < 0.001). The long-term post-LVEF reached a plateau of approximately 60% when the pre-LVEF was ≥50%, but it seemed to show a downward trend after reaching a peak at approximately 3–4 years after MVr when the pre-LVEF was ≥70%. The patterns of short- and long-term changes in post-LVEF differed according to pre-LVEF and pre-LVESD values in patients with chronic primary mitral regurgitation after MVr.

Multimodality imaging in valvular heart disease: how to use state-of-the-art technology in daily practice

Our understanding of the complexities of valvular heart disease (VHD) has evolved in recent years, primarily because of the increased use of multimodality imaging (MMI). Whilst echocardiography remains the primary imaging technique, the contemporary evaluation of patients with VHD requires comprehensive analysis of the mechanism of valvular dysfunction, accurate quantification of severity, and active exclusion extravalvular consequences. Furthermore, advances in surgical and percutaneous therapies have driven the need for meticulous multimodality imaging to aid in patient and procedural selection. Fundamental decision-making regarding whom, when, and how to treat patients with VHD has become more complex. There has been rapid technological advancement in MMI; many techniques are now available in routine clinical practice, and their integration into has the potential to truly individualize management strategies. This review provides an overview of the current evidence for the use of MMI in VHD, and how various techniques within each modality can be used practically to answer clinical conundrums.

Global longitudinal strain to determine optimal timing for surgery in primary mitral regurgitation: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Primary mitral regurgitation (PMR) results in adverse remodeling changes and left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. Assessing LV function has prognostic value in predicting morbidity and mortality. Indications for surgery include parameters such as LV ejection fraction (LVEF) and systolic dimensions. Current guidelines are limited in identifying patients at optimal time for surgery. Impaired postoperative LVEF indicates poor prognostic outcomes and subsequent heart failure. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) via speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) presents as a promising parameter to detect subclinical dysfunction in asymptomatic patients.

METHODS

Following PRISMA guidelines, a literature search was conducted with Cochrane Library, PudMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science. Key MeSH terms included "mitral regurgitation," "mitral valve insufficiency," "global longitudinal strain," "deformation," "LV-GLS," and "GLS." Inclusion criteria included (1) patients with severe PMR, (2) mixed population of symptomatic and asymptomatic patients, (3) standardized methods in assessing LV systolic function using 2D-STE, (4) valve repair or replacement surgery, and (5) patient outcomes measured after surgery. Search returned 234 papers, 12 of which met the inclusion criteria and were subsequently reviewed.

RESULTS

Baseline GLS is an independent predictor of postoperative outcomes, ranging from -17.9 to -21.7% GLS. A significant negative correlation was observed between preoperative GLS and postoperative LVEF. Impaired baseline GLS was associated with higher mortality rates. Better long-term survival rates were seen in patients who underwent early surgery.

CONCLUSION

GLS shows sensitivity in predicting long-term postoperative outcomes. Further analysis is required to determine preoperative GLS threshold to identify asymptomatic patients at the optimal time for mitral valve surgery.

Percutaneous Mitral Valve Intervention Using MitraClip for Functional Mitral Regurgitation and Heart Failure

Functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) frequently coexists with left ventricular systolic dysfunction and advanced heart failure, and typically has poor clinical outcomes. Although various therapeutic options including cardiac resynchronization therapy and surgical mitral intervention, have been proposed, an optimal treatment strategy for functional mitral regurgitation has not yet been established. Over the last decade, transcatheter mitral valve repair using MitraClip has emerged as a novel alternative therapeutic option for functional mitral regurgitation. In 2018, the COAPT trial demonstrated that MitraClip treatment reduced rehospitalization due to heart failure and all-cause death in patients with functional mitral regurgitation and heart failure. As a consequence, the MitraClip has become a very promising potential treatment for functional mitral regurgitation. In this review, we discuss and summarize the current status and future perspectives of the treatment for functional mitral regurgitation and heart failure.

Percutaneous Mitral Valve Repair with the MitraClip System in the Current Clinical Practice

Severe mitral valve regurgitation (MR) carries a significant burden both in prognosis and quality of life of patients, as well as on healthcare systems, with high rates of hospitalization for heart failure. While mitral valve surgery constitutes the first-line treatment option for primary MR in suitable patients, surgical treatment for secondary severe MR remains controversial, with a substantial lack of evidence on a survival benefit. In recent decades, percutaneous mitral valve repair has emerged as an alternative treatment for patients deemed not suitable for surgery. Among several devices under development or evaluation, the MitraClip system is the most widespread and is supported by the strongest evidence. While the role of MitraClip in patients with chronic primary MR who are not deemed suitable for surgery is well established, with consistent data showing improvement in both prognosis and quality of life, MitraClip treatment in secondary MR is a rapidly evolving field. Two recent randomized clinical trials generated apparently controversial results but actually provided an interesting pathophysiologic frame that could help discerning patients who will benefit from the procedure versus patients who will not. In this review, we will discuss current treatment options for mitral regurgitation, focusing on percutaneous mitral valve repair with the MitraClip system.

Disparate impact of severe aortic and mitral regurgitation on left ventricular dilation

In asymptomatic severe aortic (AR) and mitral regurgitation (MR), left ventricular (LV) dimension criteria were established to guide timing of valve replacement to prevent irreversible LV dysfunction. Given both lesions are primary LV volume overload ''leaks'', it might be expected that both lesions would induce similar impact on the LV and result in equivalent dimension criteria for intervention. However, the dimension-based intervention criteria for AR versus MR (developed through natural history studies), differ markedly. The pathophysiological foundations for such discordance have neither been fully elucidated nor emphasized. This case-based treatise compares the two regurgitant lesions with respect to: (a) ''total regurgitant circuits''; (b) ''driving pressures'' resulting in LV volume overload from each respective ''leak''; and (c) volume and afterload wall stresses imposed on the LV.Key points The ''total circuits'' of volume overload differ: The AR circuit includes the LV and systemic vasculature, whereas MR includes the LV ejecting into the left atrium/pulmonary veins and systemic circulation. The ''driving pressure'' of regurgitation and afterload are high with AR and low with MR. Differing ''total circuits'' and ''driving pressures'' impose disparate wall stresses upon the LV. Parallel and serial sarcomere replication occurs in AR, while only serial replication occurs in MR. It therefore follows that for regurgitation of similar severities, AR results in greater LV dilation at the point of irreversible myocardial dysfunction compared to MR. These considerations may explain, at least in part, the disparate dimension criteria employed for valve intervention for severe AR vs MR.

Minimally invasive mitral valve surgery: a systematic safety analysis

Objective

Minimally invasive surgery is increasingly adopted as an alternative to conventional sternotomy for mitral valve pathology in many centres worldwide. A systematic safety analysis based on a comprehensive list of pre-specified 30-day complications defined by the Mitral Valve Academic Consortium (MVARC) criteria is lacking. The aim of the current study was to systematically analyse the safety of minimally invasive mitral valve surgery in our centre based on the MVARC definitions.

Methods

All consecutive patients undergoing minimally invasive mitral valve surgery through right mini-thoracotomy in our institution within 10 years were studied retrospectively. The primary outcome was a composite of 30-day major complications based on MVARC definitions.

Results

745 patients underwent minimally invasive mitral valve surgery (507 repair, 238 replacement), with a mean age of 62.9±12.3 years. The repair was successful in 95.8%. Overall 30-day mortality was 1.2% and stroke rate 0.3%. Freedom from any 30-day major complications was 87.2%, and independent predictors were left ventricular ejection fraction <50% (OR 1.78; 95% CI 1.02 to 3.02) and estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m² (OR 1.98; 95% CI 1.17 to 3.26).

Conclusions

Minimally invasive mitral valve surgery is a safe technique and is associated with low 30-day mortality and stroke rate.

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.

Test–retest reliability of left and right ventricular systolic function by new and conventional echocardiographic and cardiac magnetic resonance parameters

Aims 

Reproducible evaluation of left (LV) and right ventricular (RV) function is crucial for clinical decision-making and risk stratification. We evaluated whether speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) and cardiac magnetic resonance feature-tracking (cMR-FT) global longitudinal (GLS) and circumferential strains allow better test–retest reproducibility of LV and RV systolic function than conventional cMR and echocardiographic parameters.

Methods and results 

Thirty healthy volunteers and 20 chronic heart failure patients underwent cMR and STE twice on separate days to evaluate test–retest coefficient of variation (CV), intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and estimated sample sizes for significant changes in LV and RV function. Among LV parameters, cMR-left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) had the highest reproducibility (CV = 6.7%, ICC = 0.98), significantly better than cMR-FT-GLS (CV = 15.1%, ICC = 0.84), global circumferential strains (CV = 11.5%, ICC = 0.94) and echocardiographic LVEF (CV = 11.3%, ICC = 0.93). STE-LV-GLS (CV = 8.9%, ICC = 0.94) had significantly better reproducibility than cMR-FT-LV-GLS. Among RV parameters, STE-RV-GLS (CV = 7.3%, ICC = 0.93) had significantly better CV than cMR-right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) (CV = 13%, ICC = 0.82). cMR-FT-RV-GLS (CV = 43%, ICC = 0.39) performed poorly with significantly lower reproducibility than all other RV parameters. Owing to their superior interstudy reproducibility, cMR-LVEF (n = 12), cMR-RVEF (n = 41), STE-LV-GLS and STE-RV-GLS (both n = 14) were the parameters allowing the lowest calculated sample sizes to detect 10% change in LV or RV systolic function.

Conclusion 

STE-LV-GLS and STE-RV-GLS showed higher test–retest reliability than other echocardiographic measurements of LV and RV function. They also allowed smaller calculated sample sizes, supporting the use of STE-LV and RV-GLS for longitudinal follow-up of LV and RV function.

Percutaneous treatment with Mitraclip for functional mitral regurgitation: medium-term follow up according to left ventricular function

Background

Functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) is a bad prognosis condition despite optimal medical treatment. Nowadays there is an open debate about the surgical versus percutaneous treatment. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the mid-term follow up clinical outcomes of patients with FMR treated with MitraClip^® system, according to their left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).

Methods

Data was obtained from two experienced centers in transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVR). All consecutive cases of severe FMR undergoing TMVR in both centers with the same inclusion criteria were included prospectively in this study and followed-up. Periodical follow-ups with clinical and echocardiographic evaluation were scheduled from the baseline procedure, at 3 months and then yearly.

Results

From October 2015 to October 2019, a total of 119 patients with FMR at 2 centers in Spain underwent TMVR with the MitraClip^® procedure and were included in this study. The mean age was 73.8±8.9 years old and 32 patients (26.9%) were female. A 39.5% of cases [47] had a LVEF ≤30% (group 1) and 60.5% (72 cases) had a LVEF >30% (group 2). There was a similar distribution in cardiovascular risk factors, age and other diseases. All MitraClip^® implantations were elective and procedural success was achieved in 110 patients (92.4%) with a similar distribution between the groups. There were no differences in procedural time and the number of implanted clips. The median follow-up was 22.6 months (IQR, 11.43–34.98 months). The primary combined endpoint occurred in the 41.6% of the global cohort, 57.5% in group 1 and 30.99% in group 2 (P=0.036). LVEF was associated to the main event in the multivariate analysis (HR 2.09, 95% CI: 1.12–3.89; P=0.02).

Conclusions

The MitraClip edge-to-edge technique is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of FMR. In this study, patients with LVEF >30% treated with Mitraclip presented better clinical cardiovascular outcomes than those with a LVEF ≤30%. Regardless clinical outcomes, at the end of the follow-up, there was a sustained reduction in MR grades and an important improvement in NYHA functional class.

Meta-Analysis of the Incidence, Prevalence, and Correlates of Atrial Fibrillation in Rheumatic Heart Disease

Objective:

To estimate the incidence, prevalence, and correlates of atrial fibrillation (AF) in a global population with rheumatic heart disease (RHD).

Methods:

Bibliographic databases were searched to identify all published studies providing data on AF in patients with RHD. Random-effects meta-analysis method was used to pool estimates.

Results:

Eighty-three studies were included, reporting data from 75,637 participants with RHD in 42 countries. The global prevalence of AF in RHD was 32.8% (range: 4.3%–79.9%). It was higher in severe valvular disease (30.8% vs 20.7%, p = 0.009), in severe mitral valve disease compared to severe aortic disease (30.4% vs 6.3%, p = 0.038). The global cumulative incidence of AF in patients with RHD was 4.8%, 11.4%, 13.2%, and 30.8% at 1, 2, 5, and 10 years of follow-up, respectively. From comparison between patients with and without AF, AF was associated with increased age (mean difference [MD]: 9.5 years; 95% CI: 7.8–1.3), advanced heart failure (odds ratio [OR]: 4.4; 95% CI 2.1–9.3), tricuspid valve involvement (OR: 4.0; 95% CI: 3.0–5.3), history of thromboembolism (OR: 6.2; 95% CI: 3.4–11.4), highly sensitive C-reactive protein (MD: 5.5 mg/dL; 95% CI: 1.2–9.8), systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (MD: 3.6 mmHg; 95% CI: 0.8–6.3), right atrium pressure (MD: 1.5 mmHg; 95% CI: 1.0–2.0), and left atrium diameter (MD: 8.1 mm; 95% CI: 5.5–10.7).

Conclusions:

About one-third of patients with RHD have AF, with an incidence which almost triples every five years after diagnosis. Factors associated with AF include age, advanced heart failure, thromboembolism, and few cardiac hemodynamics parameters.

Global longitudinal strain is a hallmark of cardiac damage in mitral regurgitation: the Italian arm of the European Registry of mitral regurgitation (EuMiClip)

BACKGROUND

The search for reliable cardiac functional parameters is crucial in patients with mitral regurgitation (MR). In the Italian arm of the European Registry of MR, we compared the ability of global longitudinal strain (GLS) and left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (LVEF) to detect cardiac damage in MR.

METHODS

Five hundred four consecutive patients with MR underwent a complete echo-Doppler exam. A total of 431, 53 and 20 patients had degenerative, secondary and mixed MR, respectively. The main echocardiographic parameters, including LV and left atrial (LA) size measurements, pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) and GLS were compared between patients with mild MR (n = 392) vs. moderate to severe MR (n = 112).

RESULTS

LVEF and GLS were related one another in the pooled population, and separately in patients with mild and moderate/severe MR (all p < 0.0001). However, a certain number of patients were above the upper or below the lower limits of the 95% confidence interval (CI) of the normal relation in the pooled population and in patients with mild MR. Only 2 patients were below the 95% CI in moderate to severe MR. After adjusting for confounders by separate multivariate models, LVEF and GLS were independently associated with LV and left atrial size in the pooled population and in mild and moderate/severe MR. GLS, but not LVEF, was also independently associated with PASP in patients with mild and moderate to severe MR.

CONCLUSIONS

Both LVEF and GLS are independently associated with LV and LA size, but only GLS is related to pulmonary arterial pressure. GLS is a powerful hallmark of cardiac damage in MR.

Predictors of early left ventricular dysfunction after mitral valve replacement for rheumatic valvular disease

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine the predictors of early left ventricular (LV) dysfunction in patients with rheumatic heart disease (RHD) after mitral valve replacement (MVR). We examined echocardiographic and nonechocardiographic predictors.

METHODS

This study included 571 patients receiving MVR for RHD from 2012 to 2017. Their baseline characters, preoperative examination, operation data, and postoperative echocardiography were collected retrospectively. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to evaluate the predictors of early LV dysfunction after MVR. The LV dysfunction was defined as left ventricular end-ejection fraction (LVEF) <50%. The interaction model was further performed to calculate interaction effects between predictors selected by logistic regression.

RESULTS

In the 571 patients, 164 (28.7%) had early LV dysfunction after the operation, but only 94 (16.5%) had a preoperative LVEF <50%. Significant differences between two groups (LVEF ≥50% or LVEF <50%) were finally revealed in LV end-diastolic dimension, preoperative atrial fibrillation (AF), preoperative LVEF <50%, and the white blood cell (WBC) count measured after admission (>10 × 10⁹ L ^-1 ) in the multivariate logistic regression. Corresponding odds ratios (ORs) were 1.06, 1.82, 3.63, and 2.64, respectively. Diabetes, lesion type, LV end-systolic dimension, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, and serum creatinine were statistically significant (P < .05) in univariate logistic regression, with matched ORs 2.45, 1.66/0.65, 1.07, 2.50, 1.83, and 2.90, respectively. However, these variables were not significant anymore in the multivariate logistic model. Besides, the OR of early postoperative LV dysfunction increased to 7.00 when preoperative AF, preoperative LVEF <50%, and WBC >10 × 10⁹ L^-1 were all present.

CONCLUSIONS

The preoperative LV dysfunction, a large LV volume, AF and over-normal WBC could independently predict postoperative LV dysfunction.