Asymptomatic Mitral Regurgitation Research Articles

New atrio-ventricular indices derived from conventional cine MRI correlate with functional capacity in patients with asymptomatic primary mitral regurgitation

Mitral regurgitation (MR) is associated with morphological and functional alterations of left atrium (LA) and ventricle (LV), possibly inducing LA–LV misalignment. We aimed to: (1) characterize angulation between LA and mitral annulus from conventional cine MRI data and feature-tracking (FT) contours, (2) assess their associations with functional capacity in MR patients, as assessed by oxygen consumption (peak-VO2) and minute ventilation to carbon dioxide production (VE/VCO2) slope, in comparison with MRI LA/LV strain indices. Thirty-two asymptomatic primary MR patients (56 [40; 66] years, 12 women) underwent cardiac MRI resulting in LA/LV conventional FT-derived strain indices. Then, end-diastolic angles were derived from FT LA contours: (1) α, centered on the LA centre of mass and defined by mitral valve extremities, (2) γ, centered on the mitral ring anterior/lateral side, and defined by LA centre and the other extremity of the mitral ring. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing with simultaneous echocardiography were also performed; peak-VO2 and VE/VCO2 slope were measured. While peak-VO2 and VE/VCO2 slope were not correlated to LA/LV strains, they were significantly associated with angles (α: r = 0.50, p = 0.003 and r = − 0.52, p = 0.003; γ: r = − 0.53, p = 0.002 and r = 0.52, p = 0.003; respectively), independently of age and gender (R2 ≥ 0.29, p ≤ 0.03). In primary MR, the new LA/mitral annulus angles, computed directly from standard-of-care MRI, are better correlated to exercise tolerance than conventional LA/LV strain.

The Role of Global Longitudinal Strain in the Follow-Up of Asymptomatic Patients with Chronic Primary Mitral Regurgitation.

Background/Objectives: In patients with chronic primary mitral regurgitation (MR), postoperative persistent left ventricular (LV) dysfunction underlines the lack of a sensitive parameter that can identify subclinical LV dysfunction and optimize the timing of intervention. Left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS) is a measure of the longitudinal left ventricular systolic function, with prognostic significance. Its role in the follow-up of asymptomatic patients with MR is, however, poorly defined. The aim of this study was to assess the relative changes in LV-GLS in a cohort of MR patients and to correlate these changes with the need for intervention during a follow-up period. Methods: We conducted a prospective study on a cohort of 218 patients, divided into three subgroups according to MR severity (mild, moderate, severe). LV-GLS was measured at baseline and every six months during a median follow-up period of 30 months. The composite endpoint was the occurrence of heart failure symptoms, hospitalization for heart failure, LVEF < 60%, LVEDD > 45 mm, new onset atrial fibrillation, or cardiovascular death. Results: Patients with moderate and severe MR had a significantly lower GLS at baseline than those with mild MR (19.5% and 19.1% versus 22.3%, p < 0.01) despite a normal LVEF in all subgroups. The relative decrease in LV-GLS occurred earlier (at 12 months vs. 24 months) and was more evident in patients with moderate and severe MR (13.6% and 14.5%, respectively) versus patients with mild MR (6.72%). The baseline LV-GLS being under 18% and a relative decrease of over 10% in GLS were independent predictors of a composite outcome (HR = 1.59, CI 95% 1.17-2.86; HR = 1.74, CI 95% 1.2-2.91, p < 0.01). Conclusions: LV-GLS is a valuable monitoring tool for asymptomatic MR patients, a relative decrease > 10% in GLS may be predictive for the need for valve intervention.

Prognostic impact of disease-related complications in asymptomatic mitral regurgitation: a health insurance claims analysis.

The impact of mitral regurgitation (MR) in asymptomatic patients is not well defined. We aimed to determine the prevalence of MR-related complications and their association with 10-year survival in a large unselected asymptomatic MR cohort. Health insurance claims data from Germany's second largest health insurance fund, BARMER, which maintains longitudinal data on 8.7 million German residents, were retrospectively analyzed. All patients with an outpatient diagnosis of MR in a minimum of two quarters during a calendar year and first recorded diagnosis between 2008 and 2011 were included. Patients with any complication attributable to MR or mitral valve intervention at index were excluded. Outcomes were compared between study group and age- and sex-matched controls (i.e., without known cardiac disease). MR-related complications of interest were new congestive heart failure, new-onset atrial fibrillation, pulmonary hypertension, or cardiac decompensation. A total of 56,577 individuals (median age 68 years, 67% female) with asymptomatic MR were identified. At 10 years, MR-related complications were more frequent in the study group vs. control group (46.5% vs. 20.8%, OR 3.31, P < 0.0001). Furthermore, MR-related complications were more common in male vs. female patients with an asymptomatic MR (OR 2.65, P < 0.0001). The occurrence of at least one MR-related complication was associated with a reduced 10-year survival (OR 1.80, P < 0.0001). Almost half of patients with asymptomatic MR experience complications during a 10 year follow-up which result in impaired survival. These results imply the necessity of long-term disease management program. Furthermore, decision-making process and timing for mitral valve intervention in asymptomatic patients should be reevaluated.

Gender and Sex Differences in the Management, Intervention, and Outcomes of Patients With Severe Primary Mitral Regurgitation.

Gender- and sex-based disparities in mitral valve disease exist; however the factors associated with these differences are unknown. Identifying these differences is essential in devising mitigating strategies. We evaluated gender and sex differences among patients with severe primary mitral regurgitation (MR) across treatment phases. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients with new diagnoses of severe primary MR between 2016 and 2020. We compared multidisciplinary evaluation incidence and 2-year survival between men and women. We analyzed a subgroup meeting class 1 indications for intervention, which includes severe symptomatic MR or severe asymptomatic MR with ejection fraction <60% or left ventricular end-systolic diameter >40 mm. Logistic regression models identified predictors associated with the likelihood of multidisciplinary evaluation. Among 330 patients meeting class 1 indications, women were older (79 versus 76 years, P=0.01) and had higher Society of Thoracic Surgeons risk scores for mitral valve repair than men (2.5% versus 1.4%, P=0.003). Women were less likely to undergo multidisciplinary evaluation (57% versus 84%, P<0.001) and intervention (47% versus 69%, P<0.001) than men. Median days to intervention for women and men were 77 and 43, respectively. Women had a higher 2-year mortality rate than men (31% versus 21%, P=0.035). On a multivariable model, female sex and older age were associated with lower odds of undergoing multidisciplinary evaluation (odds ratio, 0.26; P<0.001; odds ratio, 0.95; P<0.001, respectively). Women with severe primary MR with class 1 indication for intervention were less likely to undergo multidisciplinary evaluation and intervention and had a longer interval to intervention than men. Survival was comparable after accounting for age and comorbidity differences.

Current awareness and use of transthoracic echocardiography in evaluation of valvular heart disease in Kumamoto Prefecture -a report from the Kumamoto cardiovascular echocardiography standardization project.

There are few reports on transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) for the evaluation of valvular heart disease in a specific area or region. This cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was conducted in 2023 in Kumamoto Prefecture, where 106 hospitals provide cardiology services. Ninety-three (88%) of the hospitals completed questionnaires regarding TTE. The severity of low flow/low gradient AS was evaluated by dobutamine stress echocardiography in only 7% of hospitals and exercise stress echocardiography for asymptomatic mitral regurgitation in only 5%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that participation in remote multi-institutional echocardiographic meetings and use of the Kumamoto Prefecture echocardiographic manual were significantly associated with the use of a multi-window approach (P < 0.05). In Kumamoto Prefecture, echocardiographic measurements are performed according to the recommendations at a relatively low rate. Dissemination of recommendations through remote meetings and the use of the echocardiographic manual may increase the likelihood of TTE being performed according to the recommendations.

Timing of Surgery for Asymptomatic Primary Mitral Regurgitation: Possible Value of Early, Serial Measurements of Left Ventricular Sphericity.

Asymptomatic primary mitral regurgitation due to myxomatous degeneration of the mitral valve leaflets may remain so for long periods, even as left ventricular function progresses to a decompensated stage. During the early compensated stage, the ventricle's initial response to the volume overload is an asymmetric increase in the diastolic short axis dimension, accomplished by a diastolic shift of the interventricular septum into the right ventricular cavity, creating a more spherical left ventricular diastolic shape, increasing diastolic filling and stroke volume. Early valve repair is recommended to reduce postoperative left ventricular dysfunction. Early serial measurements of left ventricular sphericity index [LV-Si]. during the compensated stage of mitral regurgitation might identify subtle changes in left ventricular shape and assist in determining the optimal earliest timing for surgical intervention.

Left atrial and left ventricular strain dynamics with echocardiography in asymptomatic children with mitral regurgitation.

Left atrial (LA) dilatation is a strong predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Strain parameters evaluating LA functions have gained importance in assessing cardiovascular health. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between LA and left ventricular (LV) strain, using speckle-tracking echocardiography, and assess the impact of vena contracta on LV functioning in asymptomatic children with mitral regurgitation. We evaluated 45 asymptomatic mitral regurgitation patients, categorized as mild, moderate, and severe. LV strain was significantly lower in the moderate group (-17.8 ± 3.7%) and further reduced in the severe group (16 ± 2.1%) compared to the reference group (20.5 ± 6.2%). Conversely, LA reservoir strain was higher in the severe and moderate groups (38 ± 12.9% and 40.7 ± 9.5%, respectively) compared to the controls (31.3 ± 7.5%; p < 0.0001). The severe group also displayed a milder depression of contraction (12.2%) compared to the moderate group (13 ± 7.2%). In the moderate and severe groups, LV strain correlated significantly with vena contracta (r=-0.858; p = 0.04), with vena contracta emerging as the only independent predictor for LV longitudinal strain. ROC curve analysis indicated a cut-off value > 5.65mm for vena contracta, which had a positive predictive value of 75% for predicting LV function impairment. In conclusion, this study emphasizes the significance of assessing LA and ventricular strain in asymptomatic children with mitral regurgitation. Furthermore, vena contracta with diameters greater than 5.6mm may alert clinicians to the possibility of LV function impairment. These findings offer valuable insights for the follow-up and management of paediatric patients with mitral regurgitation, enabling early detection of potential complications and improved patient outcomes.

Kiosk 6R-TA-03 - CMR Left Atrial Flow Indices and Mitral Annulus Angulation in Patients with Asymptomatic Primary Mitral Regurgitation

Kiosk 6R-TA-03 - CMR Left Atrial Flow Indices and Mitral Annulus Angulation in Patients with Asymptomatic Primary Mitral Regurgitation

Early mitral valve repair surgery versus active surveillance in patients with asymptomatic severe primary mitral regurgitation; insights from the Dutch AMR registry

Abstract Background Management of asymptomatic patients with severe mitral regurgitation (MR) and preserved left ventricular function is still a challenging clinical entity. According to international guidelines, early mitral valve repair (MVR) surgery and active surveillance with facilitated surgery are both possible treatment strategies. Conflicting evidence is available on the number of patients that reach an indication for facilitated surgery during follow-up in the active surveillance strategy group [1, 2]. In the multicenter Dutch AMR registry, asymptomatic MR patients were allocated to either strategy according to the heart team decision [3]. In this registry there was a low threshold to perform additional testing (i.e. cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, holter monitoring and/or cardiopulmonary exercise testing). Purpose To prospectively assess the percentage of MR patients undergoing facilitated surgery during a long-term active surveillance strategy. Methods Since 2013, 99 patients with severe primary MR were included in the Dutch AMR Registry in 5 medical centers. Enrollment for early surgery or active surveillance was based on ESC guidelines and heart team decision. During long term follow-up, we assessed primary endpoints for both groups; occurrence of atrial fibrillation, cerebrovascular accident, heart failure, MVR surgery and cardiovascular/non-cardiovascular death. In particular, we assessed the number and timing of patients that underwent facilitated surgery in the active surveillance group. Results In total, 71 patients were allocated to the active surveillance and 28 to the early surgery group. 39 Patients in the active surveillance group reached a primary endpoint including 3 deaths (2 cardiovascular and 1 non-cardiovascular) (Figure 1). In the early surgery group, 4 patients reached a primary endpoint including 2 cardiovascular deaths. Over a mean follow-up time of 4.4 years, 36 patients (51%) of the active surveillance population underwent facilitated surgery due to either symptomatic or asymptomatic triggers (Table 1). Conclusions In the Dutch AMR registry, 51% of MR patients under active surveillance needed facilitated surgery within 4.4 years. Approximately half of these patients were still asymptomatic when developing an indication for surgery. Cardiovascular mortality rates were similar between the two treatment strategies. This result shows that active surveillance can be safely accomplished in asymptomatic severe MR patients. The Dutch AMR registry will further elucidate 1) whether MR patients can be stratified at baseline to either strategy based on additional testing and 2) whether facilitated surgery is non-inferior to early surgery in terms of surgical outcome, quality of life and long-term survival. For now, the current results support an active surveillance strategy in selected asymptomatic MR patients based on guidelines since half of patients are still free of symptoms without guideline indications for surgery.Figure 1Table 1

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 24months 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 2years 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.

Clinical and prognostic implications of cardiopulmonary exercise stress echocardiography in asymptomatic degenerative mitral regurgitation

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Private grant(s) and/or Sponsorship. Main funding source(s): The Saudi Arabian Cultural Bureau. Background 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 patients do not report symptoms. The role of systematic exercise testing for symptoms in MR is not clearly defined. Methods 97 patients with moderate to severe, asymptomatic MR underwent exercise echocardiography combined with cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Predictors of exercise-induced dyspnoea, symptom-free survival and mitral valve intervention were identified. Results 18 (19%) patients developed limiting dyspnoea on exercise. Spontaneous symptom free survival at 24 months was significantly higher in those without exercise-induced symptoms compared to those with exercise-induced symptoms, p &amp;lt;0.0001. The only independent predictors of spontaneous symptoms at 2 years were effective regurgitant orifice area (odds ratio 27.45 (95% CI 1.43 – 528.40), p = 0.03) and exercise-induced symptoms (odds ratio 11.56 (95% CI 1.71 – 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 – 1.30), p = 0.006). Where only patients undergoing surgery due to symptoms were included, the only independent predictor was exercise-induced symptoms (Odds ratio 13.94 (95% CI 1.39 – 140.27), p = 0.025). Conclusion In patients with primary asymptomatic degenerative MR, one fifth develop symptoms on exercise. This predicts subsequent development of spontaneous symptoms and mitral valve intervention due to symptoms.

Left atrial size predicts outcome in severe but asymptomatic mitral regurgitation

Patients with severe asymptomatic primary mitral regurgitation (MR) can be safely managed with an active surveillance strategy. Left atrial (LA) size is affected by MR severity, left ventricular function and is also associated with the risk of atrial fibrillation and may be an integrative parameter for risk stratification. The present study sought to determine the predictive value of LA size in a large series of asymptomatic patients with severe MR. 280 consecutive patients (88 female, median age 58 years) with severe primary MR and no guideline-based indications for surgery were included in a follow-up program until criteria for mitral surgery were reached. Event-free survival was determined and potential predictors of outcome were assessed. Survival free of any indication for surgery was 78% at 2 years, 52% at 6 years, 35% at 10 years and 19% at 15 years, respectively. Left atrial (LA) diameter was the strongest independent echocardiographic predictor of event-free survival with incremental predictive value for the thresholds of 50, 60 and 70 mm, respectively. In a multivariable analysis that encompassed age at baseline, previous history of atrial fibrillation, left ventricular end systolic diameter), LA diameter, sPAP > 50 mmHg and year of inclusion, LA diameter was the strongest independent echocardiographic predictor of event-free survival (adjusted HR = 1.039, p < 0.001). LA size is a simple and reproducible predictor of outcome in asymptomatic severe primary MR. In particular, it may help to identify patients who may benefit from early elective valve surgery in heart valve centers of excellence.

Correlation between NT-proBNP and pulmonary hypertension in patients with asymptomatic pirmary mitral regurgitation and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction

Abstract Background Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a significant complication of mitral regurgitation (MR), leading to worse outcomes [1]. PH is not prominent at rest during an early stage of MR, but could be induced during stress. Elevated levels of natriuretic peptides are related to subclinical myocardial injury [2,3] including elevated systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP) and it has a prognostic impact in patients with primary MR [4,5]. Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate correlation between NT-proBNP and SPAP at rest and during stress in asymptomatic patients with primary MR and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction. Methods Resting and stress (veloergometry as per protocol 25+25 W every 3 minutes) 2D transthoracic echocardiography was performed for 60 asymptomatic patients (age 61.45±11.99 years) with moderate–severe MR and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (&amp;gt;60%) at rest. According to the presence of exercise induced pulmonary hypertension ((EIPH) SPAP &amp;gt;60 mmHg during stress) patients were divided into PH (n=20, 33.33%) and non-PH (n=40, 66.67%) groups. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS 27.0 software. The value of p&amp;lt;0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results Age, gender ratio, clinical characteristics, LV volume and diameter indexes, RV size and conventional functional parameters were similar in both groups. NT-proBNP concentration was significantly higher in PH group than in patients without EIPH (261.50 [138–543] pg/ml vs. 92 [58.95–149.50] pg/ml, p=0.002). Also, NT-proBNP concentration has significant moderate correlation with SPAP at rest (r=0.599, p&amp;lt;0.001) and during peak stress (r=0.652, p&amp;lt;0.001). NT-proBNP &amp;gt;122 pg/ml could predict the presence of EIPH with 91.7% sensitivity and 66.7% specificity in patients with primary moderate–severe MR with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (Picture 2). Conclusions In patients with primary moderate-severe MR and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction, higher levels of NT-proBNP correlated with higher SPAP at rest and during stress and was related to EIPH. NT-proBNP &amp;gt;122 pg/ml is a sensitive predictive value of EIPH in cases of primary MR and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Supine ergometry for aged population with degenerative mitral regurgitation: evidence for prognostic yield

Abstract Introduction Degenerative mitral regurgitation (MR) has an increased prevalence with aging with risk stratification evolving as a complex scenario. Semisupine bicycle ergometry (SBE) is a currently applied means to interrogate noninvasive hemodynamics. Aim Aim of the study was to interrogate prognostic parameters by SBE in asymptomatic moderate to severe degenerative MR for patients older than 65 years. Patients and methods One hundred seventy-four asymptomatic MR patients (pts), followed up on valve clinic in a tertiary center (age 56/14 female 71), were referred for SBE. MR related cardiac events (surgery, NYHA worsening) during follow up of 34/25 months occurred in 24 pts. Age group &amp;gt;65 had 53 pts (age 71/4 vs 50/13 &amp;lt;0.001, females 36% vs 43%). The following parameters (mean/SD) were estimated at rest (R) and SBE (Ex): Biplane left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF), stroke volume (SV), 2D LV strain (SR), tricuspid peak gradient (TRpg), transmitral E/e, HR, systolic blood pressure (SBP), HR*SBP product and their respective % changes (%d). Results Group &amp;gt;65 during SBE had a decreased workload (Watts: 74/22 vs 89/18, p&amp;lt;0.001), similar % achieved target heart rate (73/11 vs 69/10), with more symptoms (30% vs 16%, p&amp;lt;0.01). Event rate was greater (30% vs 7%, p&amp;lt;0.001). Group aged&amp;gt;65 had differences in SBPR (145/20 vs 132/19, p&amp;lt;0.002), SREx (20/4 vs 21/5, p&amp;lt;0.04), EFEx (64/9 vs 68/6, p&amp;lt;0.01), TRpgR (34/11 vs 27/6, p&amp;lt;0.001), TRPG Ex (55/13 vs 50/10, p&amp;lt;0.02), E/eEx (14/6 vs 11/3, p&amp;lt;0.006), %dSV (0.01/0.23 vs 0.14/0.25, p&amp;lt;0.001) and %dEF (0.12/0.08 vs 0.15/0.11, p&amp;lt;0.03). In stepwise logistic regression analysis for events, E/eEx was the only selected (log exp 0.89, p&amp;lt;0.05). Classification for events by ROC analysis gave a E/eEx cut off 13 (area 0.67, p=0.01) with sensitivity/specificity 50/80%. Kaplan Meier analysis revealed prognostic contribution for E/eEx &amp;gt;13 only in the age &amp;gt;65 (log rank p&amp;lt;0.04, Figure 1). Moreover, symptomatic SBE had a decisive prognostic contribution in the aged cohort (Kaplan-Meier log rank = 0.004, Figure 2). Conclusion SBE may be applied with an efficient performance in the older then 65 years age spectrum, within the context of asymptomatic moderate to severe degenerative MR, providing critical information for risk stratification Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Relación entre el volumen quirúrgico y la calidad de la reparación de la insuficiencia mitral severa en centros de referencia

During the last decade, several findings have significantly changed the understanding, prognosis, and management of mitral valve regurgitation including genetic and arrhythmogenic characterization of mitral valve prolapse, new advanced imaging techniques that allow precise quantification and flow analysis, and the adoption and spread of repair techniques. Without doubt, the development of mitral valve repair in reference centers has radically changed the clinical prognosis of patients with severe mitral regurgitation. The key role of these centers is already a reality in every expert consensus, and of course, in every cardiovascular guideline. Particularly if we talk about asymptomatic mitral valve regurgitation. However, the clinical philosophy and structure of reference centers still remain unknown for many physicians. The following aims to clarify and establish every requirement to have a reference center and also demonstrates the strong link between surgical volume and repair durability.

Significance of Left Ventricular Ejection Time in Primary Mitral Regurgitation

The optimal timing for mitral valve (MV) surgery in asymptomatic patients with primary mitral regurgitation (MR) remains controversial. We aimed at evaluating the relation between left ventricular ejection time (LVET) and outcome in patients with moderate or severe chronic primary MR because of prolapse. Clinical, Doppler echocardiographic, and outcome data prospectively collected from 302 patients (median age 61 [54 to 74] years, 34% women) with moderate or severe primary MR were analyzed. Patients were retrospectively stratified by quartiles of LVET. The primary end point of the study was the composite of need for MV surgery or all-cause mortality. During a median follow-up time of 66 (25th to 75th percentile, 33 to 95) months, 178 patients reached the primary end point. Patients in the lowest quartile of LVET (&lt;260 ms) were at high risk for adverse events compared with those in the other quartiles of LVET (global p=0.005), whereas the rate of events was similar for the other quartiles (p=NS for all). After adjustment for clinical predictors of outcome, including age, gender, history of atrial fibrillation, MR severity, and current recommended triggers for MV surgery in asymptomatic primary MR, LVET &lt;260 ms was associated with an increased risk of events (adjusted hazard ratio 1.49, 95% confidence interval 1.03 to 2.16, p=0.033). In conclusion, we observed that shorter LVET is associated with increased risk of adverse events in patients with moderate or severe primary MR because of prolapse. Further studies are required to investigate whether shorter LVET has a direct effect on outcomes or is solely a risk marker in primary MR.

Asymptomatic Mitral Regurgitation Caused by an Isolated Mitral Leaflet Cleft in a Young Adult: A Case Report

We report the case of an 18-year-old young man without previous medical history, who was referred for evaluation of an asymptomatic cardiac murmur. Physical examination found holosystolic 4-5/6 apical murmur with normal ECG. Bidimensionnal (2D) echocardiography revealed severe mitral regurgitation with thin mitral leaflets. Three dimensional (3D) Echocardiography done for better assessment of mitral valve regurgitation mechanism revealed an isolated mitral leaflet cleft, without signs of endocarditis or traumatic lesion. Regarding the absence of symptoms and excellent maximal exercise tolerance at stress echocardiography, a repair surgery wasn’t offered. Isolated mitral leaflet cleft is a rare congenital anomaly, in adults, the cleft may be an incidental finding that remains asymptomatic for years when the leak is well tolerated. 2D combined with 3D echocardiography is key for diagnosis and surgery guidance.

Mitral regurgitation management: a systematic review of clinical practice guidelines and recommendations.

Multiple guidelines exist for the diagnosis and management of mitral regurgitation (MR), the second most common valvular heart disease in high-income countries, with recommendations that do not always match. We systematically reviewed guidelines on diagnosis and management of MR, highlighting similarities and differences to guide clinical decision-making. We searched national and international guidelines in MEDLINE and EMBASE (1 June 2010 to 1 September 2021), the Guidelines International Network, National Guideline Clearinghouse, National Library for Health Guidelines Finder, Canadian Medical Association Clinical Practice Guidelines Infobase, and websites of relevant organizations. Two reviewers independently screened the abstracts and identified articles of interest. Guidelines that were rigorously developed (as assessed with the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II instrument) were retained for analysis. Five guidelines were retained. There was consensus on a multidisciplinary approach from the heart team and for the definition and grading of severe primary MR. There was general agreement on the thresholds for intervention in symptomatic and asymptomatic primary MR; however, discrepancies were present. There was agreement on optimization of medical therapy in severe secondary MR and intervention in patients symptomatic despite optimal medical therapy, but no consensus on the choice of intervention (surgical repair/replacement vs. transcatheter approach). Cut-offs for high-risk intervention in MR, risk stratification of progressive MR, and guidance on mixed valvular disease were sparse.

Myocardial efficiency in severe asymptomatic primary mitral regurgitation: relation to quantitative measures of regurgitation

Abstract Objectives To study the association of myocardial external efficiency (MEE) in mitral regurgitation (MR) towards routinely used quantitative indicators of disease severity and progression. Background Quantitative assessment of LV function and regurgitation in asymptomatic severe primary MR is crucial for management. MEE is a load-independent indicator of mechano-energetic coupling and can be measured non-invasively using 11C-acetate positron emission tomography (PET). The role of MEE in this setting has not been studied. Methods 48 asymptomatic patients with severe primary mitral regurgitation underwent PET, echo, and CMR on the same day. MEE was automatically derived from PET as the ratio of cardiac work (cardiac output * mean arterial pressure) and total left ventricular (LV) oxygen consumption (mean MVO2 * LV mass). LV function and mitral regurgitant volumes (RegVol) were measured by echo and CMR. MEE in MR was compared to healthy volunteers (n=9). MEE and parameters of regurgitation severity and of LV volumes and function were studied as predictors of outcome (valve surgery or death). Results MEE was reduced in MR (21.5±4.2%) vs healthy volunteers (32.0±5.6%, p&amp;lt;0.001) and showed weak but significant correlations (r2&amp;lt;0.25) with regurgitation severity and LV volumes. There were 23 cardiac events (valve surgery: 22; cardiovascular death: 1) during follow-up (median 2.7 years, IQR 1.9–3.2). Univariate Cox models showed that MEE, echocardiographic left atrial volume as well as RegVol and LV ventricular volumes from both echo and CMR were significant outcome predictors (all p&amp;lt;0.05), while LVEF and NT-pro-BNP were not (p&amp;gt;0.05). Prediction by MEE was not affected by age, sex or BMI. When categorically divided by the median MEE was a strong predictor in Kaplan-Meier analysis (log-rank p=0.0004, figure 1) and remained independently significant, compared to all other univariate predictors in bivariate Cox models. Conclusions This study suggests an important role of energetic insufficiency in progression of asymptomatic severe primary MR. Reduced MEE was linked to outcome independently of standard functional measures of regurgitation severity or left ventricular size and function. Strategies for improvement of myocardial energetics in MR are warranted. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Swedish Heart-Lung Foundation Figure 1

Relation of Guideline Adherence to Outcomes in Patients With Asymptomatic Severe Primary Mitral Regurgitation

Current guidelines empirically recommend serial clinical evaluations for asymptomatic patients with severe mitral regurgitation (MR). However, there is a paucity of data on the effectiveness of such monitoring. This study sought to examine the potential benefit of guideline adherence among asymptomatic patients with severe primary MR. Asymptomatic patients with severe primary MR who had been evaluated in the Allina Health system between January 1, 2012 and May 30, 2018 were examined. The medical records were manually reviewed for demographics, comorbidities, echocardiographic data, subsequent interventions, and clinical outcomes. Patients were grouped according to occurrence of guideline adherence, which was defined as a serial clinical evaluation with echocardiography every 12 ± 1 month until mitral valve surgery, or death. Over the study period, 246 patients (67.3 ± 15.5 years, 61.4% men) with severe, asymptomatic primary MR were identified, including 154 patients (62.6%) with and 92 patients (37.4%) without guideline adherence. Overall, there were no differences in demographics, morbidities, MR severity, or left ventricular function between patient adherence groups. During follow-up (40.9; 21.2, 58.3 months), patients with adherence more frequently had surgery or transcatheter therapy performed (64.3% vs 18.5%; p <0.001) and the time to intervention was earlier (13.6 [3.9-22.7] vs 44.2[25.6-57.3] months; p <0.001). Compared to non-adherent patients, those with guideline adherence had a significantly higher five-year survival free from all-cause mortality (92.0% vs 74.3%, p=0.002), and freedom from death or hospitalization for heart failure (90.1% vs 69.3%, p=0.001). Adherent patients also had a significantly better survival free from combined endpoint of death, re-hospitalization for heart failure, myocardial infarction, and stroke (84.5% vs 63.2%, p=0.002). In patients with asymptomatic severe primary MR, guideline adherence with serial evaluations every 12 months or less is associated with earlier therapy and improved long-term outcomes. These data support educational efforts to promote guideline adherence.