Improvement in Left Cardiac Function Following Mitral Valve Repair: Analyses Based on Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the structural and functional changes of left-sided cardiac chambers by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) in patients with chronic mitral regurgitation after mitral valve repair (MVR). Among 103 patients who underwent MVR, 21 showed normal left ventricular (LV) function; their pre- and postoperative left atrial (LA) and LV functions were examined by CMRI. LV end-diastolic volume, LV end-systolic volume, and LV mass significantly were reduced postoperatively (p<0.01) and postoperative LV ejection fraction tended to decrease. LA volume parameters also significantly decreased postoperatively (p<0.01). The conduit function positively affected the LV filling volume postoperatively (p<0.01); however, no effect on the booster pump function was noted (p=0.01). Restoration of LA and LV functions after a successful MVR was not associated with structural improvement in LA and LV.