Chronic Aortic Regurgitation Research Articles

Prognostic value of cardiac magnetic resonance global circumferential strain assessed by feature tracking techniques in asymptomatic patients with significant aortic regurgitation

Abstract Introduction Cardiac magnetic resonance feature tracking (CMR-FT) deformation techniques have gained significant interest in recent years. They provide a comprehensive evaluation of myocardial function and improve the reproducibility of echocardiography strain techniques. Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate whether CMR-FT deformation parameters play a role predicting worse clinical evolution in patients with chronic significant aortic regurgitation (AR) not meeting guidelines intervention criteria. Methods We included 85 patients with significant AR (moderate, moderate/severe, and severe) referred for CMR. Only asymptomatic patients with preserved left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) were considered for inclusion. Other concomitant myocardiopathies were excluded. Conventional functional left chambers parameters as well as myocardial deformation were evaluated, including global longitudinal strain (GLS), global circumferential strain (GCS) and global radial strain (GRS). A composite clinical major outcome was assessed, including admission heart failure admission, need for aortic valvule replacement and all-cause mortality. Results The mean age of the sample was 62 years old. One third of the patients were females. Other clinical baseline characteristics were not significantly different between groups when compared with Chi-squared and T-test statistical analysis. Mean follow-up was 42 months (±31). 21 patients presented with the composited outcome previously described. End-diastolic and end-systolic volumes did not differ between groups. Mean end-diastolic volume (EDV) was 196 ± 6.1 mL and mean end-systolic volume (ESV) was 88 ± 3.4 mL. Mean values of CMR-FT GLS, GCS and GRS were -14.1%, 22.8% and -16.9% respectively. GCS was selected as the best predictor for the combined endpoint point, with and area under the ROC curve of 0.67. A GCS value <-17% was selected as the optimal cut-off point. This value predicted events as is shown in Kaplan-Meier curves (HR 3.6, CI 95% 1.42 - 9.02, p = 0.007). A multivariate analysis showed that this association was independent of left ventricle (LV) ejection fraction, LV volumes and left atrial (LA) volume. Conclusion CMR-FT deformation parameters are impaired in significant AR patients even if intervention criteria are not met. A value of GCS < -17% in this population could predict a worse clinical evolution and emerges as a promising new tool helping clinical decision making in this challenging population.Kaplan-Meier curve free-event survival

Diagnostic performance of semi-quantitative echocardiographic evaluation in patients with aortic regurgitation: implications for clinical practice

Abstract Background In current practice, screening for severe aortic regurgitation (AR) relies on qualitative and semi-quantitative echocardiographic parameters. No information is given on the diagnostic performance of each of these parameters. Objectives The purpose of this study was to investigate the diagnostic performance of semi-quantitative echocardiographic parameters in discriminating moderate from severe AR. Methods This single-center retrospective cohort study included 102 consecutive patients with chronic isolated moderate or severe AR. Patients were divided between severe and moderate AR using a combination of left ventricle (LV) dilatation, Proximal Isovelocity Surface Area (PISA) echocardiographic method and cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR). Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of vena contracta width (VC), pressure half-time (PHT) and diastolic flow reversal in descending aorta (DFR). Results Threshold value VC > 6mm provided a low sensitivity (40.4%) and an excellent 88.9% specificity for the diagnosis of severe AR. For PHT, the value < 200ms provided a poor sensitivity (2.0%) and an excellent 100% specificity. For DFR, the value ≥ 0.2m/s provided a low sensitivity (37.8%) and a good 78.6% specificity. These 3 parameters have a good positive predictive value (PPV) > 80% and a poor negative predictive value (NPV) < 40%. The area under the curve for the diagnosis of severe AR was 0.72, 0.72 and 0.59 for VC, PHT and DFR, respectively. Conclusion Our study demonstrates that the semi-quantitative parameters VC, PHT and DFR are highly specific but poorly sensitive for diagnosing severe chronic AR. They can rule in severe AR but in presence of intermediate values, they are insufficient to rule out severe AR.Venn diagramDiagnostic performance

Outcomes of Watchful Waiting Strategy and Predictors of Postoperative Prognosis in Asymptomatic or Equivocally Symptomatic Chronic Severe Aortic Regurgitation With Preserved Left Ventricular Function.

The optimal surgical timing for asymptomatic or equivocally symptomatic chronic severe aortic regurgitation with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction remains controversial. Two hundred ten consecutive patients (median age 65 years) with asymptomatic or equivocally symptomatic chronic severe aortic regurgitation and left ventricular ejection fraction ≥50% were registered. First, the treatment plans (aortic valve replacement or watchful waiting) after initial diagnosis were investigated. Then, 2 studies were set: Study A (n=144) investigated the prognosis of patients who were managed under the watchful waiting strategy after initial diagnosis; Study B (n=99) investigated the postoperative prognosis in patients who underwent aortic valve replacement at initial diagnosis or after watchful waiting. The primary outcomes were all-cause death in Study A and postoperative cardiovascular events in Study B. In Study A, 3 died of noncardiovascular causes during a median follow-up of 3.2 years. In Kaplan-Meier analysis, the survival curve was similar to that of an age-sex-matched general population in Japan. In Study B, 9 experienced the primary outcome during a median follow-up of 5.0 years. In Cox regression analysis, preoperative left ventricular end-systolic diameter enlargement (hazard ratio, 1.11; P=0.048) and left ventricular end-systolic diameter >45 mm (hazard ratio, 12.75; P=0.02) were significantly associated with poor postoperative prognosis. In Kaplan-Meier analysis, left ventricular end-systolic diameter >45 mm predicted a higher risk of the primary outcome (P <0.01). Watchful waiting was achieved safely in asymptomatic or equivocally symptomatic chronic severe aortic regurgitation with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction. Preoperative left ventricular end-systolic diameter >45 mm predicted a poor postoperative outcome and may be an optimal cut-off value for surgical indication.

Prognostic value of fully-automated left atrial strain in patients with asymptomatic chronic severe aortic regurgitation

BackgroundTo examine whether left atrial (LA) strain was associated with adverse outcomes in asymptomatic chronic aortic regurgitation (AR). MethodsAsymptomatic patients with ≥moderate-severe AR were retrospectively identified from 2008 through 2022 from a university hospital. Apical 4-chamber left ventricular longitudinal strain (A4C-LVLS), LA reservoir (LASr), conduit (LAScd), and contractile strain (LASct) were measured using fully-automated software. Primary endpoint was all-cause death (ACD); secondary endpoints were heart failure (HF) development or aortic valve surgery (AVS). ResultsOf 352 patients (59 ± 17 years; 19 % female), the mean LV ejection fraction (LVEF) was 60 ± 8 %. The median follow-up during medical surveillance was 4.7 (interquartile range: 1.8–9.0) years; during which 68 patients died. Multivariable analysis adjusted for covariates showed that larger maximal LA volume index (iLAVmax), lower LASr and LASct were independently associated with ACD (all P ≤ 0.047); A4C-LVLS and LAScd were not (P ≥ 0.15). Besides, iLAVmax, LASr, and LASct provided incremental prognostic value over A4C-LVLS in terms of ACD (all P ≤ 0.048). HF symptoms occurred in 126 patients at a median of 2 years. Multivariable determinants for HF development included larger minimal LAV index, lower LASr and LASct (all P ≤ 0.03). Adjusted spline curves showed LASr <38–40 % and LASct <20–24 % were associated with increased risks of ACD and HF development, respectively. Using abovementioned LASr and LASct cutoffs, adjusted Kaplan-Meier curves risk-stratified patients for ACD successfully (P ≤ 0.02). Lower LASr was also independently associated with AVS (Hazard ratio per 1 % increase: 0.98)(P = 0.02). ConclusionsIn patients with asymptomatic AR, fully-automated LASr and LASct were robust markers for outcome determination; these markers may identify those who need timely surgical referral.

Left Ventricular Reverse Remodeling after Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement for Aortic Regurgitation-An Explorative Study.

The timing of treatment for chronic aortic valve regurgitation (AR), especially in asymptomatic patients, is gaining attention since less invasive strategies have become available. The aim of the present study was to evaluate left ventricular reverse remodeling after aortic valve replacement (AVR) for severe AR. Patients (n = 25) who underwent surgical AVR for severe AR with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) less than 55% were included in this study. Preprocedural and follow-up clinical and echocardiographic measurements of LVEF and left ventricular (LV) diameters were retrospectively analyzed. Mean LVEF increased significantly following surgical AVR (p < 0.0001). LV diameters showed a clear regression (p = 0.0088). Younger patients and those receiving a mechanical valve tended to have less improved LVEF on follow-up than patients over 60 years or the ones who were implanted with a biological prosthesis (p = 0.0239 and p = 0.069, respectively). Gender had no effect on the degree of LVEF improvement (p = 0.4908). We demonstrated significant LV reverse remodeling following AVR for AR. However, more data are needed on LV functional and geometrical improvement comparing the different types of valve prostheses to provide an optimal treatment strategy.

Aortic valve replacement through right anterior mini-thoracotomy in patients with chronic severe aortic regurgitation: a retrospective single-center study.

Aortic valve replacement (AVR) has recently been performed at many centers using a minimally invasive approach to reduce postoperative mortality, morbidity, and pain. Most previous reports on minimally invasive AVR (MiAVR) have mainly focused on aortic stenosis, and those exclusively dealing with aortic regurgitation (AR) are few. The purpose of this study was to investigate early surgical results and review our experience with patients with chronic severe AR who underwent AVR via right anterior mini-thoracotomy (RAT). Data were retrospectively collected in this single-center study. Eight patients who underwent RAT AVR between January 2020 and January 2024 were enrolled. Short-term outcomes, including the length of hospital stay, in-hospital mortality, postoperative complications, and echocardiographic data, were analyzed. No in-hospital mortalities were observed. Postoperative atrial fibrillation occurred temporarily in three patients (37.5%). However, none required permanent pacemaker implantation or renal replacement therapy. The median values of ventilator time, length of intensive care unit stay, and hospital stay were 17 hours, 34.5 hours, and 9 days, respectively. Preoperative and postoperative measurements of left ventricular ejection fraction were similar. However, the left ventricular end systolic and diastolic diameters significantly decreased postoperatively from 42 mm to 35.5 mm (p=0.018) and 63 mm to 51 mm (p=0.012), respectively. MiAVR via RAT is a safe and reproducible procedure with acceptable morbidity and complication rates in patients with chronic severe AR. Despite some limitations such as a narrow surgical field and demanding learning curve, MiAVR is a competent method for AR.

Longitudinal Assessment of Left Atrial Remodeling in Patients With Chronic Severe Aortic Regurgitation

BackgroundThere are significant sex and age differences in left ventricular (LV) remodeling that may lead to disparity in outcomes when used to inform the timing of aortic regurgitation (AR) intervention. ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to examine whether left atrial (LA) parameters might represent better criteria than LV parameters to inform the timing of AR intervention. MethodsUsing data on patients with moderate to severe or severe AR with serial echocardiography (2010-2016), the longitudinal trends in left atrial volume index (LAVI) and left atrial reservoir strain (LAr) were evaluated by sex and age. The incremental utility of these parameters in predicting adverse events over LV parameters was also determined. ResultsIn 525 patients (25.7% women) with 1,687 echocardiograms over a median follow-up period of 2.0 years (Q1-Q3: 1.0-3.6 years), there was significant increase in LAVI (1.0 mL/m2 per year [95% CI: 0.76-1.2 mL/m2 per year]) and decrease in LAr (−1.3% per year [95% CI: −1.6% to −0.92%]), without a significant interaction by sex or age category (P for interaction ≥ 0.17). In addition, both LAVI and LAr were significant predictors of adverse events independent of LV parameters. The optimal discriminatory thresholds were 37 mL/m2 for LAVI and 35% for LAr. These thresholds were similar across categories of sex and age. Within the relatively short-term follow-up, surgery was associated with survival benefit among patients with LAVI ≥37 mL/m2 (HR: 0.33 [95% CI: 0.15-0.72]; P = 0.006) but was not statistically significant among patients with LAVI <37 mL/m2 (HR: 0.46 [95% CI: 0.18-1.17]; P = 0.09). Similarly, surgery was associated with survival for the subgroup with LAr ≤35% but not among those with LAr >35%. ConclusionsUnlike LV remodeling, LA remodeling demonstrates a similar rate of progression between categories of sex and age among patients with AR. In addition, LA parameters provide incremental prognostic value over LV parameters.

Sex-Specific Left Ventricular and Aorta Size Cut-Off Values for Hemodynamically Significant Chronic Aortic Regurgitation - Implications for Treatment in Asian Populations.

There are no sex-specific guidelines for chronic aortic regurgitation (AR). This retrospective study examined sex-specific differences and propose treatment criteria from an Asian AR cohort.Methods and Results: Consecutive 1,305 patients with moderate-severe AR or greater at 3 tertiary centers in Taiwan and Japan (2008-2022) were identified. Study endpoints were aortic valve surgery (AVS), all-cause death (ACD), and cardiovascular death (CVD). The median follow up was 3.9 years (interquartile range 1.3-7.1 years). Compared with men (n=968), women (n=337) were older, had more advanced symptoms, more comorbidities, larger indexed aorta size (iAortamax) and indexed left ventricular (LV) end-systolic dimension (LVESDi; P<0.001 for all). Symptomatic status was poorly correlated with the degree of LV remodeling in women (P≥0.18). Women received fewer AVS (P≤0.001) and men had better overall 10-year survival (P<0.01). Ten-year post-AVS survival (P=0.9) and the progression of LV remodeling were similar between sexes (P≥0.16). Multivariable determinants of ACD and CVD were age, advanced symptoms, iAortamax, LV ejection fraction (LVEF), LVESDi, LV end-systolic volume index (LVESVi), and Taiwanese ethnicity (all P<0.05), but not female sex (P≥0.05). AVS was associated with better survival (P<0.01). Adjusted LVEF, LVESDi, LVESVi, and iAortamaxcut-off values for ACD were 53%, 24.8 mm/m2, 44 mL/m2, and 25.5 mm/m2, respectively, in women and 52%, 23.4 mm/m2, 52 mL/m2, and 23.2 mm/m2, respectively, in men. Early detection and intervention using sex-specific cut-off values may improve survival in women with AR.

Aortic Regurgitation: From Valvular to Myocardial Dysfunction.

Chronic aortic regurgitation (AR) leads to volume overload in the left ventricle (LV), which is well tolerated for years. In this condition, the LV usually dilates with minimal reduction in the ejection fraction (EF), even in the absence of symptoms. Echocardiography is the primary imaging test used to quantify AR. However, no single assessment of Doppler measures is accurate and precise in individual patients; therefore, the integration of multiple parameters is necessary. Recent guidelines recommend surgical treatment for severe AR in patients who are symptomatic or have an LVEF < 55% and an end-systolic diameter > 50 mm. Nevertheless, advances in imaging technology have improved the quantification of AR and the assessment of LV subclinical dysfunction. It is widely recognized that patients who undergo aortic valve replacement/repair (AVR) due to symptoms or a low LVEF experience worse outcomes than those undergoing AVR for non-Class I indications. In fact, subclinical irreversible myocardial damage may occur in clinically well-compensated and closely monitored patients while awaiting formal surgical indications. This condition could be prevented by the use of multimodal imaging parameters, in particular longitudinal LV strain and magnetic resonance imaging. In addition, better cut-off values for mortality predictors should be established. This review aims to identify simple models that integrate several echocardiographic and cardiac magnetic resonance-derived parameters to predict the optimal timing of surgical treatment in asymptomatic patients with chronic severe AR.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation for Aortic Regurgitation: A Comprehensive Review.

Aortic regurgitation (AR), a left-sided valvular heart disease, poses challenges in both diagnosis and treatment. From rheumatic fever to trauma, the vast etiologies of AR can manifest with varying symptoms and disease progression. Nonetheless, without interventions, patients with acute and chronic symptomatic AR have a poor prognosis. This article synthesizes current knowledge on AR management, emphasizing advancements in transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). While surgical aortic valve replacement remains the gold standard, TAVI has emerged as a promising alternative, particularly for inoperable patients. It is currently used off-label for patients with bicuspid valve and valve-in-valve procedures. Clinical data from various studies underscore TAVI's efficacy in AR, demonstrating improvements in left ventricular function and mortality rates with use of the new-generation devices. However, challenges persist with conditions such as aortic aneurysms, including device positioning and selection. With ongoing technological innovations, TAVI holds potential as a viable option in selected AR patients, necessitating further research for optimized outcomes.

Rationale and design of the ELEANOR trial early aortic valve surgery versus watchful waiting strategy in severe asymptomatic aortic regurgitation, ACRONYM: ELEANOR

BackgroundThe optimal treatment of patients with severe symptomatic aortic regurgitation (AR) is state-of-the-art surgery. Asymptomatic patients with advanced left ventricular (LV) dilatation and/or impaired ejection fraction should undergo surgical treatment, but there is no guidelines consensus on cut-off values for this recommendation. Multimodality imaging has brought new tools for the accurate selection of asymptomatic patients at risk of early clinical deterioration, however, prospective and randomized data are pending. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR)-derived AR quantification along with LV remodeling assessment appears to be the most accurate tool for a selection of such patients at risk. Trial designThe objective of our prospective and multicenter study is to determine whether patients at risk of early clinical deterioration as per CMR assessment will benefit from early surgical treatment. The study is designed as a superiority trial to demonstrate that early surgical treatment is safe and more effective than the standard treatment. A total of 217 asymptomatic patients with severe AR, but without current guidelines-based surgical indication, will be enrolled across all centers. We expect 24 % of patients identified as high clinical risk and therefore eligible for 1:1 randomization to early surgical treatment within 3 months or a watchful waiting strategy. Follow-up will be annual. We expect a complete restoration of LV size and function along with improved quality of life and physical performance in a short-term follow-up of 12 months. The primary endpoint will be a composite safety and efficacy with all criteria mandatory: 15 % or larger reduction of baseline CMR-derived LV end-diastolic volume index, LV ejection fraction >50 %, and no major adverse cardiovascular events. The annual follow-up will continue for a minimum of 4 years until the required number of endpoints is achieved to show a statistically significant difference in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in early surgically treated patients. ConclusionThe ELEANOR trial is the first multicenter randomized controlled study to compare early surgical treatment with a watchful waiting strategy in asymptomatic patients with chronic severe AR at high risk of early clinical deterioration as per CMR assessment but without guidelines-based indications for surgical treatment.

Prognostic Implications of Left Atrial Strain in Bicuspid Aortic Valve With Chronic Aortic Regurgitation.

Left atrial reservoir strain (LARS) is a novel imaging biomarker of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction. This study aimed to examine the prognostic implications of LARS in patients with bicuspid aortic valve and significant (moderate-severe to severe) aortic regurgitation. A total of 220 patients with bicuspid aortic valve and significant aortic regurgitation were prospectively enrolled in our study. LARS and left ventricular global longitudinal strain were derived from speckle-tracking echocardiography. The end point was a composite of all-cause mortality, heart failure hospitalization, and aortic valve repair or replacement. The threshold value of LARS <24% was used to identify impaired left atrial mechanics based on prior results. During a median follow-up of 364 (interquartile range, 294-752) days, 46 patients (20.9%) reached the composite end points. On multivariable Cox analysis, impaired LARS (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.08 [95% CI, 1.05-4.11]; P=0.036) was a statistically significant predictor of composite end points after adjustment for other statistically significant predictors. Finally, adding impaired LARS to other statistically significant predictors (New York Heart Association functional class and left ventricular global longitudinal strain) significantly improved the global χ2 (from 32.19 to 36.56; P=0.037) and reclassification (continuous net reclassification index=0.55; P<0.001) of the prediction model. In patients with bicuspid aortic valve and significant aortic regurgitation, the impairment of LARS is a strong independent prognostic predictor and confers incremental prognostic utility over clinical and other echocardiographic parameters. These findings suggest that LARS could be considered in risk stratification for such populations.

The Association Between Ascending Aortic and Left Ventricular Dimensions in Patients After Aortic Valve Replacement.

Aortic valve replacement (AVR) is often recommended for patients with severe aortic stenosis or chronic aortic regurgitation. These conditions result in remodeling of the left ventricle, including increased interstitial fibrosis that may persist even after AVR. These structural changes impact left ventricular (LV) mechanics, causing compromised LV diameter to occur earlier than reduced LV ejection fraction (LVEF). The aim of this study was to examine the effect of left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) and its role in aortic expansion one year after AVR. Sixty-three patients who underwent AVR were evaluated. All patients underwent standard transthoracic echocardiography, which included measurements of the ascending aorta, aortic root, LVEF, and LVEDD before the surgery and one year postoperatively. Correlations between these variables were calculated. All patients underwent AVR with either a mechanical or biological prosthetic aortic valve. Following AVR, there was a significant decrease in the dimensions of the ascending aorta and aortic root (both P=0.001). However, no significant changes were observed in LVEDD and LVEF. Correlations were found between the preoperative ascending aortic size and the preoperative and one-year postoperative LVEDD (r=0.419, P=0.001 and r=0.320, P=0.314, respectively). Additionally, there was a correlation between the postoperative ascending aortic size and the preoperative and one-year postoperative LVEDD (r=0.320, P=0.003 and r=0.136, P=0.335, respectively). The study findings demonstrate a significant correlation between the size of the aortic root and ascending aorta, before and after AVR. Additionally, a notable correlation was observed between postoperative LVEDD and the size of the aortic root.

Kiosk 2R-TC-12 - Relationship Between Native T1, Ventricular Volumes, and Ejection FBaction in Children and Young Adults with Chronic Aortic Regurgitation

Kiosk 2R-TC-12 - Relationship Between Native T1, Ventricular Volumes, and Ejection FBaction in Children and Young Adults with Chronic Aortic Regurgitation

Kiosk 6R-TB-03 - Sex-based Differences in Left Ventricular Remodeling in Patients with Chronic Aortic Regurgitation Referred for Aortic Valve Surgery: A Multicenter SCMR Registry Study

Kiosk 6R-TB-03 - Sex-based Differences in Left Ventricular Remodeling in Patients with Chronic Aortic Regurgitation Referred for Aortic Valve Surgery: A Multicenter SCMR Registry Study

Prognostic Value of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Chronic Aortic Regurgitation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Chronic aortic regurgitation (AR) is a common valvular disease characterized by an overload of left ventricular volume and pressure. Accurate assessment of the heart from all angles is crucial for effective clinical management and prognostic evaluation of AR patients. As an advanced imaging technique, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) has become the gold standard for assessing cardiac volume and function. Accordingly, this study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of CMR in chronic AR. EMBASE, Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Web of Science were searched for clinical studies published between inception and July 19, 2022. Only studies that used CMR to assess patients with chronic isolated AR and provided prognostic data were included. For our analysis, 11 studies, which involved 1702 subjects and follow-up periods of 0.6-9.7 years, were eligible. We identified 13 CMR-related parameters associated with AR prognosis. With aortic valve surgery as the outcome, we estimated the pooled hazard ratios (HRs) for four of these parameters: aortic regurgitation fraction (ARF), aortic regurgitation volume (ARV), left ventricle end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), and LV end-systolic volume (LVESV). The pooled HR for ARF was found to be 4.31 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.12-16.59, p = 0.034), while that for ARV was 3.88 (95% CI: 0.71-21.04, p = 0.116). Additionally, the combined HRs of LVEDV and LVESV were estimated to be 2.20 (95% CI: 1.04-4.67, p = 0.039) and 3.14 (95% CI: 1.22-8.07, p = 0.018), respectively. The assessment of ARF, LVEDV, and LVESV via CMR has significant prognostic value in predicting the prognosis of AR patients with aortic valve surgery as an endpoint. It is recommended to consider using multi-parameter CMR in the clinical management of AR patients for timely interventions and effective prognostic evaluation.

Left ventricular remodeling in chronic aortic regurgitation: both age and sex matter

Abstract Background For chronic and severe aortic regurgitation (AR), both European and American guidelines recommend surgery in the setting of dilated left ventricle (LV). However, normal LV volumes are described according to age and gender (1) and differences in remodeling according to gender have been described in AR (2) and late referral bias has been suggested as a cause for outcome penalty in female patients with AR (3). Objective and methods To clarify the interactions of age and gender on LV volumes in the setting of AR with cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). This is a single-center study performed in a referral center for cardiac surgery and aortic valve repair. Patients were adults identified or referred for an at least moderate AR (grade II) by transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) and were invited to perform a CMR. Exclusion criteria were acute AR caused by bacterial infection or dissection, dilated cardiomyopathy from another identified cause, concomitant more than moderate left heart valve disease or intra-cardiac devices. Results Among 296 patients included (51+/-16 years, 56 (19%) females and 129 (44%) bicuspid), mean regurgitant fraction (RF) was 33%. Age was similar among men and women (50+/-16 vs 54+/-16; p=0.142) but RF was higher among men (35+/-18 vs 25+/-15%, p&amp;lt;0.001). Both LV end-diastolic (iLVEDV) and end-systolic (iLVESV) were moderately correlated to regurgitant fraction (Pearson R of respectively 0.605 and 0.569). Women had lower iLVEDV and iLVESV than men after correction for AR severity (respectively 105+/-24 vs 136+/-43ml/m²; p&amp;lt;0.001 and 48+/-17 vs 66+/-30ml/m²; p=0.007). Female gender was associated with a significantly lower susceptibility to dilate both iEDV and iESV in the setting of an increasing AR severity (p for interaction of respectively 0.048 and 0.041). Similarly, advancing age was associated with a continuous decrease in iEDV and iESV dilatation ability (p for interaction of respectively 0.006 and 0.048). Conclusion Sex and age are significant determinants for LV volumes in AR. Furthermore, both female sex and aging independantly lead to a decreased capability of LV dilatation, suggesting sex and aged-based CMR thresholds for LV dilatation should be further developed to avoid possible late referral bias for surgery in female or elderly population.Gender interaction on LV dilatationLV volumes prediction models

Abstract 18806: How Well Does Left Atrial Remodeling Predict Adverse Outcomes in Patients With Chronic Severe Aortic Regurgitation?

Introduction: Aortic regurgitation (AR) leads to left ventricular (LV) remodeling by increasing LV load. We recently showed that LV dimensions, widely adopted marker of severe AR, are not reliable predictors of adverse CV outcomes in older patients and female sex. Here we sought to study the effects of chronic severe AR on left atrial (LA) size and function as a prognostic adjunct to LV dimensions. Methods: Adult patients with ≥3+ AR on routine surveillance with serial echocardiograms between 1/2010 and 12/2016 were included in this study. We assessed longitudinal trends of LA volume indexed to body surface area (LAVI) and LA reservoir strain (LAr) stratified by age and sex. Clinical endpoints included the occurrence of heart failure hospitalization, urgent aortic valve surgery, or all-cause mortality and were used to assess the prognostic value of our studied parameters. Results: A total of 525 patients with 1,687 serial echocardiograms conducted over a median (IQR) follow-up duration of 2.0 (1.0-3.6) years were included. As shown in figure 1, we observed a substantial increase in LAVI (1.0 [95% CI: 0.76-1.2] mL/m2 per year of follow-up) and a decrease in LAr (-1.3% [95% CI: -1.6 to -0.92%]) over the study period. There was no significant interaction related to sex or age (p ≥0.17). 210 adverse events were recorded and were significantly predicted by both LA parameters. Optimal discriminatory threshold for LAVI was determined to be 37 mL/m2 and LAr at 35% and were both found to be consistent across categories of sex and age. Conclusions: This study indicates that LA remodeling, unlike LV remodeling, shows a similar rate of progression across different categories of sex and age among patients with chronic severe AR. Furthermore, LA parameters provide an added prognostic value over LV parameters and may therefore be better suited to inform the timing of AR intervention.

Abstract 12123: Descending Aortic Diastolic Flow Reversal in Aortic Regurgitation: Optimizing Definitions and Assessment on Cardiac Magnetic Resonance

Introduction: Holodiastolic flow reversal (HDR) in the descending aorta (DA) may indicate hemodynamically significant aortic regurgitation (AR). However, the optimal definition and quantification of flow reversal on cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is unknown. Methods: We studied 346 chronic AR patients with regurgitant volume (RegVol) ≥30 mL or regurgitant fraction (RegF) ≥30%. The presence of HDR and quantitation of reverse volume in the DA (DA-RVol) was performed by a blinded observer. The threshold for DA-RVol that identified ≥ moderate-severe AR (RegVol ≥45 mL and RegF ≥40%) was established by derivation (50% random sample), validation (50% remaining sample), and ROC curve analysis. Multivariable logistic regression models adjusting for age, gender, NYHA Class, and indexed left ventricular end-diastolic volume were performed to compare HDR and DA-RVol. Results: The median age was 61 (IQR 50-70) years, 79.2% men, and 30.3% with bicuspid aortic valve. The median RegF was 37% (IQR 32-44) and DA-RVol was 12 mL (IQR 5-27). HDR was observed in 150 (43.2%), with 63% sensitivity and 77% specificity for detecting ≥ moderate-severe AR. The threshold of DA-RVol which identified ≥ moderate-severe AR was 17 mL (AUC 0.82, sensitivity 68%, and specificity 87%). The ROC curve analysis revealed a higher AUC for DA-RVol ≥17 mL relative to HDR (0.78 vs 0.70, P &lt;0.001) for predicting ≥ moderate-severe AR. On multivariable analysis models, DA-RVol ≥17 mL was superior to HDR (AUC 0.83 vs 0.80, P =0.008). Conclusion: Quantitation of flow reversal in the descending aorta is a more reliable method to identify hemodynamically significant AR compared to simple presence of holodiastolic flow reversal.

Contemporary Evaluation and Clinical Treatment Options for Aortic Regurgitation.

Aortic regurgitation (AR) is the third most frequent form of valvular disease and has increasing prevalence with age. This will be of increasing clinical importance with the advancing age of populations around the globe. An understanding of the various etiologies and mechanisms leading to AR requires a detailed understanding of the structure of the aortic valve and aortic root. While acute and chronic AR may share a similar etiology, their hemodynamic impact on the left ventricle (LV) and management are very different. Recent studies suggest current guideline recommendations for chronic disease may result in late intervention and suboptimal outcomes. Accurate quantitation of ventricular size and function, as well as grading of the severity of regurgitation, requires a multiparametric and multimodality imaging approach with an understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of each metric. Echocardiography remains the primary imaging modality for diagnosis with supplemental information provided by computed tomography (CT) and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR). Emerging transcatheter therapies may allow the treatment of patients at high risk for surgery, although novel methods to assess AR severity and its impact on LV size and function may improve the timing and outcomes of surgical intervention.