Long-Term (up to 18 Years) Clinical and Echocardiographic Results of Mitral Balloon Valvuloplasty in 531 Consecutive Patients and Predictors of Outcome

Abstract

Objectives: The study aim was to assess the long-term results (up to 18 years) of mitral balloon valvuloplasty (MBV) and to identify predictors of restenosis and event-free survival. Methods: The immediate and long-term results for 531 consecutive patients (mean age 31 ± 11 years) who underwent successful MBV and were followed up for a mean of 8.5 ± 4.8 years (range: 1.5–18 years) are reported. Results: The mitral valve area (MVA) increased from 0.92 ± 0.17 to 1.95 ± 0.29 cm² (p < 0.0001). Restenosis was 31 and 19% in patients with mitral echocardiographic score (MES) ≤8. Actuarial freedom from restenosis at 10, 15 and 18 years was 77 ± 2, 46 ± 3 and 18 ± 4% and 86 ± 2, 62 ± 4 and 31 ± 7% for MES ≤8, respectively (p < 0.001). Event-free survival (death, redo MBV, mitral valve replacement, NYHA class III or IV) at 10, 15 and 18 years was 88 ± 1, 53 ± 4, and 21 ± 5% and 93 ± 2, 65 ± 5 and 38 ± 8% for MES ≤8, respectively (p < 0.001). Multivariable Cox regression analysis identified MES >8 (p < 0.0001) and previous surgery (p = 0.043) as predictors of restenosis, and MES >8 (p < 0.0001) and baseline atrial fibrillation (p = 0.03) as predictors of combined events. Conclusion: MBV provides excellent long-term results. The baseline clinical and MES characteristics are predictors of outcome.