Chronic Mitral Regurgitation Research Articles

Prognostic Impact of Left Atrial Strain After Mitral Valve Repair Surgery in Patients With Severe Mitral Regurgitation.

The prognostic value of left atrial (LA) function in terms of long-term clinical outcomes after mitral regurgitation (MR) surgery remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated the impact of preoperative LA global longitudinal strain (LAGLS) on the long-term postoperative clinical outcomes in chronic severe MR patients who underwent mitral valve (MV) repair surgery. From January 2012 to December 2017, we analyzed 338 patients (mean age, 51.9±12.5 years; 218 males [64.5%]) treated with MV repair surgery for severe MR. The primary outcome was cardiovascular events, defined as the composite of all-cause death, newly developed atrial fibrillation (AF), and re-hospitalization for cardiovascular causes. During a median follow-up of 45 months (interquartile range, 26-65), 30 (8.9%) cardiovascular events, 5 (1.5%) all-cause death, 8 (2.4%) newly developed AF, and 26 (7.7%) re-hospitalizations occurred. On multivariable analysis, baseline LAGLS was an independent predictor of cardiovascular events (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.91; 95% confidential interval [CI], 0.85-0.97; p=0.004) and re-hospitalization (adjusted HR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.86-1.00; p=0.037). According to the optimal cutoff value of LAGLS, patients with low LAGLS (<23.6%) had a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular events (adjusted HR, 2.70; 95% CI, 1.04-7.00; p=0.041) than those with high LAGLS (≥23.6%). In a subgroup analysis, patients with high LAGLS had better clinical outcomes regardless of whether the patient had a LA volume index <60 mL/m². In patients with chronic severe MR who received successful MV repair surgery, preoperative LAGLS is an independent predictor of long-term postoperative outcomes.

The role of advanced multimodality imaging in chronic mitral regurgitation.

Mitral regurgitation (MR), the second most common valvular heart disease, still constitutes a major diagnostic and thera-peutic challenge, due to its complex nature and to its consequences on cardiac remodelling. Life quality and expectancy are determined by the irreversibility of the left ventricular systolic dysfunction, which, despite current guidelines, remains a major drawback. In order to accurately establish "the point of no return" for left ventricular systolic function, the embedment of clinical, biological and imaging data is a requirement. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the current multimodal imaging techniques that are useful in correctly assessing patients with MR. Cardiac magnetic resonance strain imaging techniques and 3D echocardiography, in addition to current echocardiographic criteria may help identify the patients who will benefit from early surgery. The technical development of new transcatheter techniques in mitral valve repair could lead to the extension of current guidelines.

Abstract 13766: The Use of Echocardiography to Assess Regional Strain Abnormalities in Patients With Chronic Mitral Regurgitation

Background: Patients with primary mitral regurgitation (MR) secondary to mitral valve prolapse (MVP) have regional LV fibrosis in myocardial segments adjacent to the posterior papillary muscle detected by MRI not seen in other patients with MR.. Echocardiographically determined strain is associated with LV fibrosis. Patients with chronic MR are generally followed by echocardiography, however no study has utilized echocardiography to examine regional strain variations in these patients. The object of this study was to examine regional myocardial strain in patients with chronic MR with and without MVP. Methods: Patients undergoing routine transthoracic echocardiography for the assessment of chronic severe MR were included. Patients with secondary MR, ejection fraction &lt; 50%, other significant primary valve disease, history of cardiomyopathy, ischemic heart disease, previous cardiac surgery or pacemaker implantation were excluded. The primary MR subjects were be divided into MVP or non-MVP cohorts. MVP was defined as displacement of 1 or both mitral leaflets by at least 2 mm below the mitral annulus in parasternal long-axis view. Global and segmental strain analysis in 17 left ventricular segments was performed offline and results of the MVP and non-MVP groups compared. Results: 28 patients (mean age 63 ±14 yrs ; 23F/5M) of whom 11 had MVP and 17 had non-MVP disease were included in the study. Patients in the MVP group were significantly younger (59.2 ± 16 vs 69 ± 11 p = 0.05) then in the non-MVP group. Standard echocardiographic measurements including ejection fraction were similar except for estimated PA pressure which was lower in the MVP group, (31.3 ± 6.9 vs 42.6 ± 11.9 mmHg p-value = 0.008).Global strain was normal and similar in the two groups (-21.3 ± 4.4% vs -19.9 ± 2.9%; p = 0.30). (Patients with MVP had significantly reduced segmental strain in the inferior basal segment ( -11.2 ± 9.7 in the MVP group, -18 ± 2.6 in the non-MVP group, p-value 0.037). No other segments showed significant differences between the MVP and non-MVP groups Conclusions: Our findings suggest that patients with chronic MR and MVP have significantly reduced echocardiographic strain in the inferior base when compared to patients with MR secondary to other causes.

Abstract 12949: Mitral Valve Geometry and Remodeling in a Three Month Swine Model of Post-Infarction Heart Failure

Introduction: Mitral regurgitation (MR) following myocardial infarction (MI) is a known risk factor for increased hospitalizations and mortality. The longitudinal mitral valve remodeling in chronic ischemic MR (IMR) is not fully understood and a reproducible, large animal model is therefore needed. In this study, we establish a swine model of chronic IMR and investigate the consequent changes in mitral valve geometry. Methods: Yorkshire swine (n=7) were induced with an MI via targeted angiographic ethanol injection of the left circumflex coronary artery, and were followed to 3 months. Mitral valve geometry and MR grade were investigated at baseline, immediately after MI, and 3 months post MI ( Fig. A ). Epicardial echocardiography was performed under mini left thoracotomy for direct placement onto the left atrium, such that the entire left heart was imaged. Results: 3 months following MI, ejection fraction (EF) decreased compared to baseline (47.3 ± 8.4 vs 55.3 ± 6.5%, p=.03). Both effective regurgitant orifice area (EROA) and regurgitant volume (RV) increased compared to baseline (EROA: 12 ± .14 vs .01 ± .01cm 2 ; p=.001; RV: 18.7 ± 21.3 vs .14 ± .38ml; p=.001). Both tenting height (TH) and tenting area (TA) also increased compared to baseline (TH: 11.7 ± 2.8 vs 6.8 ± 0.7mm; p=.01; TA: 190 ± 66 vs 95 ± 16mm 2 ; p=.04), indicating tethering of the mitral valve. No differences were found in coaptation length (5.7 ± 1.4 vs 5.8 ± 0.8mm; p=.99) and anterior excursion angle (37.9 ± 10.5 vs 25.3 ± 11.9°; p=0.27). Posterior excursion angle decreased at 3 months following MI (25 ± 11.3 vs 39.6 ± 8.0°; p=.02), indicating restriction of the posterior leaflet ( Fig. B1-7 ) Conclusion: In this paired analysis of mitral valve and ventricular remodeling after posterolateral MI, consistent increase in EROA and RV were observed. This model mimics a clinically relevant situation, providing a platform for studying the effects of IMR correction on ventricular remodeling.

Ultrastructural Adaptation of the Cardiomyocyte to Chronic Mitral Regurgitation.

Introduction: Mitral regurgitation (MR) imposes volume overload on the left ventricle (LV) and elevates wall stress, triggering its adverse remodeling. Pronounced LV dilation, minimal wall thinning, and a gradual decline in cardiac ejection fraction (EF) are observed. The structural changes in the myocardium that define these gross, organ level remodeling are not known. Cardiomyocyte elongation and slippage have both been hypothesized, but neither are confirmed, nor are the changes to the cardiomyocyte structure known. Using a rodent model of MR, we used immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to describe the ultrastructural remodeling of the cardiomyocyte.Methods: Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats (350–400 g) were assigned to two groups: group (1) rats induced with severe MR (n = 18) and group (2) control rats that were healthy and age and weight matched (n = 6). MR was induced in the beating heart using a 23-G ultrasound-guided, transapical needle to perforate the anterior mitral leaflet, and the rats were followed to 2, 10, and 20 weeks (n = 6/time-point). Echocardiography was performed to quantify MR severity and to measure LV volume and function at each time-point. Explanted myocardial tissue were examined with TEM and immunohistochemistry to investigate the ultrastructural changes.Results: MR induced rapid and significant increase in end-diastolic volume (EDV), with a 50% increase by 2 weeks, compared with control. Rise in end-systolic volume (ESV) was more gradual; however, by 20 weeks, both EDV and ESV in MR rats were increased by 126% compared with control. A significant decline in EF was measured at 10 weeks of MR. At the ultrastructural level, as early as 2 weeks after MR, cardiomyocyte elongation and increase in cross-sectional area were observed. TEM depicted sarcomere shortening, with loss of Z-line and I-band. Desmin, a cytoskeletal protein that is uniformly distributed along the length of the cardiomyocyte, was disorganized and localized to the intercalated disc, in the rats induced with MR and not in the controls. In the rats with MR, the linear registry of the mitochondrial arrangement along the sarcomeres was lost, with mitochondrial fragmentation, aggregation around the nucleus, and irregularities in the cristae.Discussion: In the setting of chronic mitral regurgitation, LV dilatation occured by cardiomyocyte elongation, which manifests at the subcellular level as distinct ultrastructural alterations of the sarcomere, cytoskeleton, and mitochondria. Since the cytoskeleton not only provides tensegrity but has functional consequences on myocyte function, further investigation into the impact of cytoskeletal remodeling on progressive heart failure or recovery of function upon correcting the valve lesion are needed.

Molecular Signatures of Human Chronic Atrial Fibrillation in Primary Mitral Regurgitation.

Objectives Transcriptomics of atrial fibrillation (AFib) in the setting of chronic primary mitral regurgitation (MR) remains to be characterized. We aimed to compare the gene expression profiles of patients with degenerative MR in AFib and sinus rhythm (SR) for a clearer picture of AFib pathophysiology. Methods After transcriptomic analysis and bioinformatics (n = 59), differentially expressed genes were defined using 1.5-fold change as the threshold. Additionally, independent datasets from GEO were included as meta-analyses. Results QRT-PCR analysis confirmed that AFib persistence was associated with increased expression molecular changes underlying a transition to heart failure (NPPB, P = 0.002; ANGPTL2, P = 0.002; IGFBP2, P = 0.010), structural remodeling including changes in the extracellular matrix and cellular stress response (COLQ, P = 0.003; COMP, P = 0.028; DHRS9, P = 0.038; CHGB, P = 0.038), and cellular stress response (DNAJA4, P = 0.038). Furthermore, AFib persistence was associated with decreased expression of the targets of structural remodeling (BMP7, P = 0.021) and electrical remodeling (CACNB2, P = 0.035; MCOLN3, P = 0.035) in both left and right atrial samples. The transmission electron microscopic analysis confirmed ultrastructural atrial remodeling and autophagy in human AFib atrial samples. Conclusions Atrial cardiomyocyte remodeling in persistent AFib is closely linked to alterations in gene expression profiles compared to SR in patients with primary MR. Study findings may lead to novel therapeutic targets. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00970034.

Prognostic utility of global longitudinal strain (GLS) in patients with severe primary mitral regurgitation undergoing mitral valve surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Background Mitral valve (MV) surgery is recommended for the treatment of chronic severe mitral regurgitation (MR). However, the optimal timing of surgery in patients with asymptomatic severe primary MR remains elusive. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) may provide additional prognostic value in predicting postoperative outcomes in patients with chronic severe primary mitral regurgitation (MR) undergoing MV surgery. Purpose We aimed to determine the prognostic value of GLS in predicting postoperative mortality and LV dysfunction among patients with chronic severe primary MR. Methods Systematic search of Pubmed, Cochrane library, Clinicaltrials.gov, and Herdin.ph from inception to July 2019, using the terms “mitral insufficiency”, “mitral regurgitation”, “mitral valve surgery”, and “global longitudinal strain” was done without language restriction. We included and extracted data from cohort studies of patients with chronic severe primary MR who underwent MV surgery and which GLS, mortality and ejection fraction. We used the Newcastle Ottawa Scale to assess the quality of included studies. Review Manager 5.3 was used to perform analysis. Forest plots with summary hazard ratios (HR) and odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), I2 test for heterogeneity, and funnel plots were reported. Results Our search yielded 12 cohort studies with 2,843 patients; 7 prospective and 5 retrospective studies were included in the qualitative synthesis with 11 good quality studies. Cut-off GLS values ranged from −21.7% to −18.1%. In terms of postoperative all-cause mortality, the summary HR for worse versus better preoperative GLS is 1.22 (95% CI 1.04–1.44, p value &amp;lt;0.ehab724.16031, I2 95%). In terms of postoperative LV dysfunction, the summary OR is 1.74 (95% CI 1.14–2.66, p value 0.01, I2 94%) with significant heterogeneity. Conclusion Left ventricular GLS has prognostic value in terms of predicting postoperative mortality and LV dysfunction. However, significant heterogeneity exists between studies. Larger studies with well-defined inclusion criteria need to be performed and standardized GLS cut-offs need to be determined. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None. GLS in Predicting All-Cause MortalityGLS in Predicting Post-op Dysfunction

Impact of chronic mitral regurgitation on 3D atrial size and mechanics. Insights from the prospective 3D-PRIME study

Abstract Background Chronic mitral regurgitation (MR) leads to progressive left atrial (LA) dilation. Its relative contribution to 3-dimensional (3D) LA structural and functional remodelling and the impact of concomitant clinical and hemodynamic factors, has been less explored. Aims To assess 3D LA size and mechanics, as well as mean LA pressure estimated from the pulmonary vein flow, in relation to chronic MR severity. Methods In the prospective 3D-PRIME (3D Echocardiography and Cardiovascular Prognosis in Mitral Regurgitation) study, 46 patients with chronic MR (69±13 years, body mass index (BMI) 26.2±4.3kg/m2, 50% women, 26% with atrial fibrillation, 30% with severe MR) recruited at one heart valve center were investigated with 2D and 3D transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography. MR severity was quantified by the regurgitant volume (RV) and MR classified as organic, atrial functional or ventricular functional, as by current recommendations. LA size was measured by 3D maximum volume (LAV) indexed for body surface area (LAVI), LA mechanics by 3D peak relative increase in longitudinal volume in the reservoir phase (Sr), and mitral size by 3D annulus area and total leaflet area. Pulmonary vein Doppler flow profile was recorded in both right and left upper veins, and mean LA pressure was estimated from the average pulmonary vein systolic/diastolic velocity time integral ratio. Results Average mitral RV was 38±26ml, LAVI 53ml/m2, and Sr 17±11%. Increased mitral RV correlated with higher LAV and mean LA pressure (Figure 1), larger mitral annulus area (r=0.42) and total leaflet area (r=0.38) (all p&amp;lt;0.01), but not with Sr. In backward stepwise multivariate linear regression analyses, increased LAVI was independently predicted by larger mitral RV, higher age and atrial fibrillation (R2=0.62), higher mean LAP by larger mitral RV, body mass index and atrial fibrillation (R2=0.55), while lower Sr was associated with higher age and atrial fibrillation (R2=0.62) (all p&amp;lt;0.001). Patients with atrial functional MR (30% of the total group) had the largest LAVs and lowest Sr despite slightly lower mitral RV (Figure 2). Conclusion Chronic MR is associated with progressive increase in LA volume, mean LA pressure, and mitral annulus and total leaflet area. While MR is accompanied by low 3D LA longitudinal deformation, impaired LA mechanics is multifactorial and related closely to age and history of atrial arrythmias. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Public hospital(s). Main funding source(s): Haukeland University Hospital Figure 1Figure 2

Stroke volume but not ejection fraction predicts prognosis in acute heart failure

Abstract Background Heart failure (HF) patients are categorized according to left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), being such index both easily feasible and prognostic. However, the risk stratification of patients hospitalized for acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) according to the absolute value of LVEF at presentation is unexplored and its prognostic significance has not been tested against stroke volume indexed (SVi). Purpose To examine the prognostic impact of SVi versus LVEF in patients hospitalized for ADHF (wet and warm phenotype). Methods Eighty-five ADHF patients (mean age 75.6±10.4 years, 59% males) were prospectively enrolled within 24–48 hours from admission to the emergency department. In the acute phase all patients underwent a complete transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and lung ultrasonography (LUS) associated with blood sample and a thorough clinical examination. Patients were then stratified into two groups according to the presence or the absence of a preserved SVi at admission (SVi ≥35 ml/m2). Results During a median follow-up (FU) time of 12 months (IQR months 8–15 months) we observed a CV event rate of 28.2%. During the FU period 14 patients (16.5%) were re-hospitalized for ADHF, 7 patients died for CV reason (8.2%), 1 patient underwent mitral valve replacement for severe chronic mitral regurgitation, 1 patient was re-hospitalized for cardiac resynchronization therapy and 1 subject was re-hospitalized for acute coronary syndrome. Interestingly, patients that had a preserved TTE-derived SVi at admission (SVi ≥35 ml/m2) exhibited a significantly higher survival, when compared to subjects that showed an impairment of cardiac output at rest (SVi &amp;lt;35 ml/m2) (log-rank: HR 5.5 CI 95% 2.1–14.3; p=0.04) (Figure 1). On the other hand, LVEF was not independently associated with the endpoint and HFrEF, HFmrEF and HFpEF patients showed a comparable median survival (Figure 2). Conclusions Although the categorization of LVEF in CHF patients bears a pivotal classificatory and prognostic role, its assessment in ADHF, may lack of prognostic value especially when compared to SVi which represents a better parameter to define high-risk subjects who benefit from closer monitoring. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Clinical Outcomes After Durable Mitral Valve Repair for Ischemic Mitral Regurgitation

BackgroundThis study aimed to clarify the incidence and determinants of postoperative adverse events in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy who achieved long-term durable mitral valve repair. MethodsBetween 1999 and 2015, 166 patients with chronic ischemic mitral regurgitation (MR) and a left ventricular ejection fraction ≤40% underwent restrictive mitral annuloplasty. During follow-up (65 ± 34 months), echocardiographic assessments were performed 809 times (mean, 4.9 ± 2.4 times), and 20 patients who had postoperative recurrent MR (moderate or severe) were excluded. Finally, 146 patients (aged 68 [63-75] years) whose MR was well controlled over time were included. ResultsA total of 61 deaths or 27 readmissions for heart failure were observed in 76 patients (52%). Among hospital survivors, age (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.05; P = .001) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.61; P = .001) were identified as independent predictors of long-term mortality or readmission for heart failure. The degree of postoperative left ventricular function recovery was comparable between patients with and without adverse events. However, the former group showed greater values for systolic pulmonary artery pressure, tricuspid regurgitation severity, inferior vena cava dimension, and plasma brain natriuretic peptide level throughout the follow-up period (group effect P < .05 for all). ConclusionsApproximately 50% of patients died or were hospitalized for heart failure even in the absence of recurrent MR during the 5-year follow-up, a finding indicating that durable mitral repair does not always lead to favorable clinical outcomes. The adverse events may have been related to volume overload secondary to impaired renal function and less favorable pulmonary hemodynamics.

Mitral Regurgitation in Patients Undergoing Noncardiac Surgery.

Mitral regurgitation (MR) is one of the most frequently encountered types of valvular heart disease in the United States. Patients with significant MR (moderate-to-severe or severe) undergoing noncardiac surgery have an increased risk of perioperative cardiovascular complications. MR can arise from a diverse array of causes that fall into 2 broad categories: primary (diseases intrinsic to the valvular apparatus) and secondary (diseases that disrupt normal valve function via effects on the left ventricle or mitral annulus). This article highlights key guideline updates from the American College of Cardiologists (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA) that inform decision-making for the anesthesiologist caring for a patient with MR undergoing noncardiac surgery. The pathophysiology and natural history of acute and chronic MR, staging of chronic primary and secondary MR, and considerations for timing of valvular corrective surgery are reviewed. These topics are then applied to a discussion of anesthetic management, including preoperative risk evaluation, anesthetic selection, hemodynamic goals, and intraoperative monitoring of the noncardiac surgical patient with MR.

EARLY OUTCOME OF CORONARY ARTERY BYPASS GRAFTING WITH OR WITHOUT MITRAL VALVE INTERVENTION IN PATIENTS WITH MODERATE ISCHEMIC MITRAL REGURGITATION

Background: Ischemic mitral regurgitation is a common clinical problem of coronary artery disease, developing acutely after myocardial infarction in up to 19 % of patients. It may be chronic condition being found approximately in 3 % of patients undergoing coronary angiography, or may less commonly occur as a regional episode of ischemia.Aim of the Work: We reviewed outcomes of the most problematic subgroup of patients in terms of surgical approach—patients with moderate IMR. We evaluated the effectiveness of CABG with or without repair MVr with regard to changes in functional class, postoperative MR, LV function and short term survival benefit.Patients and Methods: Between July 2017 and June 2020, a cohort of sixty patients with ischemic heart disease associated with moderate chronic ischemic mitral regurgitation. The study was carried out in the department of cardiac surgery and other multicenters after obtaining the approval of the local ethical committee and a fully-informed written consent from each patient.Results: After our study evaluation, we found that patients who were offered the combined approach of CABG with repair, showed more improvement as to clinical and echocardiographic parameters, compared to those who were offered the CABG alone procedure. We also found that a worse preoperative LV function is the reason that leads to the persistence or progression of the IMR pathology towards severer grades in the CABG only patients.Conclusion: The efficacy of adding MVR to CABG is well demonstrated by the improvement of NYHA functional class and LVEF over the early (3 months) & late (6 months) postoperative follow-up periods.

Reverse Myocardial Remodeling Following Valve Repair in Patients With Chronic Severe Primary Degenerative Mitral Regurgitation

ObjectivesThe aims of this study were to quantify preoperative myocardial fibrosis using late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), extracellular volume fraction (ECV%), and indexed extracellular volume (iECV) on cardiac magnetic resonance; determine whether this varies following surgery; and examine the impact on postoperative outcomes. BackgroundMyocardial fibrosis complicates chronic severe primary mitral regurgitation and is associated with left ventricular dilatation and dysfunction. It is not known if this nonischemic fibrosis is reversible following surgery or if it affects ventricular remodeling and patient outcomes. MethodsA multicenter prospective study was conducted among 104 subjects with primary mitral regurgitation undergoing mitral valve repair. Cardiac magnetic resonance and cardiopulmonary exercise stress testing were performed preoperatively and ≥6 months after surgery. Symptoms were assessed using the Minnesota Living With Heart Failure Questionnaire. ResultsMitral valve repair was performed for Class 2a indications in 65 patients and Class 1 indications in 39 patients. Ninety-three patients were followed up at 8.8 months (IQR: 7.4 months-10.6 months). Following surgery, there were significant reductions in both ECV% (from 27.4% to 26.6%; P = 0.027) and iECV (from 17.9 to 15.4 mL/m2; P < 0.001), but the incidence of LGE was unchanged. Neither preoperative ECV% nor LGE affected postoperative function, but iECV predicted left ventricular end-systolic volume index (β = 1.04; 95% CI: 0.49 to 1.58; P < 0.001) and left ventricular ejection fraction (β = −0.61; 95% CI: −1.05 to −0.18; P = 0.006). Patients with above-median iECV of ≥17.6 mL/m2 had significantly larger postoperative values of left ventricular end-systolic volume index (30.5 ± 12.7 mL/m2 vs 23.9 ± 8.0 mL/m2; P = 0.003), an association that remained significant in subcohort analyses of patients in New York Heart Association functional class I. ConclusionsMitral valve surgery results in reductions in ECV% and iECV, which are surrogates of diffuse myocardial fibrosis, and preoperative iECV predicts the degree of postoperative remodeling irrespective of symptoms. (The Role of Myocardial Fibrosis in Degenerative Mitral Regurgitation; NCT02355418)

Multiple percutaneous coronary interventions worsen outcomes for subsequent surgical correction of chronic ischemic mitral regurgitation

ObjectiveWe investigated whether or not a history of multiple percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) is associated with clinical outcomes after surgery for ischemic mitral regurgitation. MethodsA total of 309 patients with chronic ischemic mitral regurgitation and left ventricular ejection fraction ≤40% who underwent restrictive mitral annuloplasty were classified as follows: patients with no or 1 previous PCI (nonmultiple PCI group [n = 211]) and patients with 2 or more previous PCIs (multiple PCIs group [n = 98]). Mean follow-up duration was 53 ± 40 months. ResultsBefore surgery, there were no intergroup differences in patient demographic characteristics except for lower estimated glomerular filtration rate in patients with multiple PCIs. These patients underwent concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting less frequently with a lower number of distal anastomoses (P < .05 for both). The 30-day mortality was 3.3% and 2.0% in the nonmultiple and multiple PCIs group, respectively (P = .72). During follow-up, there were 157 deaths. Patients with multiple PCIs showed lower 5-year survival rate (44% vs 64%; P = .002). After adjustments with inverse-probability-of-treatment weighting, multiple PCIs history was an independent risk factor for mortality (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.4; 95% confidential interval, 1.1-1.7; P = .002). Patients with multiple PCIs showed less improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction (interaction effect P < .001). ConclusionsIn patients with ischemic mitral regurgitation, a history of previous multiple PCIs was associated with increased risk of long-term postoperative mortality, with less improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction.

Repair of Isolated Native Mitral Valve Endocarditis: A Propensity Matched Study

In the setting of chronic primary mitral regurgitation, the benefit of mitral valve repair over replacement is well established. However, data comparing outcomes for mitral valve surgery for endocarditis is limited. We sought to determine whether mitral valve repair offers traditional advantages over replacement in the endocarditis population. Retrospective review of our institutional mitral valve database (N=8,181) was performed between 1998 and 2019 for all adult patients undergoing isolated mitral valve surgery for endocarditis. Patients were stratified by mitral valve repair or replacement and propensity score matching was performed to adjust for differences in baseline characteristics and degree of valve damage. Overall, 267 surgeries (124 repair, 153 replacement) met inclusion criteria during the study period. Following propensity matching, the repair cohort was associated with shorter initial ventilator times (5.6 vs 7.9 hours, p=0.05), shorter ICU (28 vs 52 hours, p=0.03), and hospital lengths of stays (7 vs 11 days, p < 0.01). Thirty-day mortality (0% vs 2.1%, p=0.01) and 10-year survival (88% vs 86%, p=0.55) were similar between cohorts. Patients in the repair cohort were less likely to require repeat mitral valve intervention at our institution for recurrent endocarditis than those in the replacement cohort (0% vs 10.6%, p=0.03). Mitral valve repair is safe, when feasible, in the setting of isolated native valve endocarditis and may provide patients faster recovery. Experienced mitral surgeons should approach this patient population with a "repair if feasible" methodology.

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.

Discordant cardiac chamber remodeling

Background: Left atrial (LA) et left ventricle (LV) enlargement are compensatory mechanisms in chronic mitral regurgitation (MR) due to mitral valve prolapse (MVP). To evaluate echocardiographic profile and prognostic value of LA and LV remodeling in PVM patients with MR. Four hundred and fourteen patients with MVP who had standard echocardiography (GE vivid 7 and 9) at Nancy university hospital were included. Chamber assessment was performed according to guidelines. Clinical characteristics and echocardiographic data were compared between four groups: patients with non-dilated chambers (ND group1, n = 135), patients with isolated dilated LA (LA volume > 40 ml/m2, LA group2, n = 100), patients with dilated LV (LVESD (> 35 ml/M2, LV group3, n = 48), and patient with both dilated LA and LV (LA-LV group4, n = 131). Group1 had more frequently hypertension, (P < 0.0001). Group3 had more frequent premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) and more dyspnea (all P < 0.0001). Group4 is associated with male sex and severe MR, (all P < 0.0001) (Table 1). Our study confirms that baseline characteristics of the patients (gender, hypertension) and specific features of MVP (symptoms, arrhythmias and severity of MR) may at least partly explain the different phenotypes of MVP regarding LA and LV remodeling.

Grading mitral regurgitation using 4D-Flow CMR: Comparison to transthoracic echocardiography

Mitral Regurgitation (MR) is currently primarily assessed using multiple transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) parameters. Two-dimensional Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR) can be used in difficult cases but has limited agreement with TTE for quantifying MR. We hypothesized that 4D Flow CMR may help to quantify MR. To determine the 4D Flow CMR thresholds that achieve the best agreement with TTE for grading MR. We conducted a single-center prospective study of patients evaluated for chronic primary MR in 2016–2020. MR was evaluated blindly by TTE and 4D Flow CMR respectively by two cardiologists and two radiologists with decades of experience. MR was graded with both methods as mild, moderate or severe. 4D Flow CMR measurements included MR regurgitant volume per beat (RV) and mitral anterograde flow per beat (MF). RF was obtained as the ratio RV/MF. Additionally, MF was compared to left ventricular stroke volume (LVSV) by cine-CMR. We included 33 patients in the initial cohort and 33 in the validation cohort. Inter-observer agreement was good for TTE and excellent for 4D Flow CMR. Agreement between MF and LVSV was excellent. Using recommended TTE thresholds (30 mL, 60 mL, 30%, 50%), agreement was moderate for RV and RF. The best agreement between 4D Flow CMR and TTE was obtained with CMR thresholds of 20 mL and 40 mL for RV (κ = 0.93; 95%CI, 0.8–1) and 20% and 37% for RF (κ = 0.90; 95%CI, 0.7–0.9). In the validation cohort, agreement between TTE and 4D Flow CMR was good with the optimal thresholds (κ = 0.78; 95%CI, 0.61–0.94) ( Fig. 1 ). We propose CMR thresholds that provide a good agreement between TTE and CMR for grading MR. Further studies are needed to fully validate 4D-Flow CMR accuracy for primary MR quantification.

Mitral valve repair in chronic severe mitral regurgitation: short-term results and analysis of mortality predictors.

Mitral valve repair is the accepted treatment for mitral regurgitation (MR) but lack of resources and socioeconomic concerns delay surgical referral and intervention in developing countries. We evaluated immediate and short-term results of mitral valve repair for non-ischemic MR at our centre and aimed to identify the predictors of in-hospital and follow-up mortality. The study was conducted at a tertiary-level hospital in South India. All patients >18years with severe non-ischemic MR who underwent mitral valve repair over a period of 6years were included. Perioperative data was collected from hospital records and follow-up data was obtained by prospective methods. There were 244 patients (170 males). Most of the patients were in the age group 31-60years (76.6%). Aetiology of MR was degenerative (n= 159; 65.2%), rheumatic (n= 34; 13.9%), structural (n= 42; 17.2%), or miscellaneous (n= 9; 3.7%). All patients underwent ring annuloplasty with various valve repair techniques. One hundred patients (44.7%) underwent additional cardiac procedures. At discharge, MR was moderate in 4 patients; the rest had no or mild MR. The mean hospital stay of survivors was 7.1days (SD 2.52, range 5-25days). There were 9 in-hospital deaths (3.68%) and 10 deaths during follow-up (4.2%). The mean follow-up period was 1.39years, complete for 87.6%. Pre-operativeleft ventricle ejection fraction(LVEF) <60% (p= 0.04) was found to be significantly associated with immediate mortality. Logistic regression analysis detected age (p= 0.019), female sex (p= 0.015), and left ventricular (LV) dysfunction at discharge (p= 0.025) to be significantly associated with follow-up mortality. Pre-operative LV dysfunction was identified as a significant risk factor for in-hospital mortality. Female sex, age greater than 45years, and LV dysfunction at discharge were found to be significantly associated with follow-up mortality. Hence, it is important to perform mitral valve repair in severe regurgitation patients before significant LV dysfunction sets in for a better outcome.

Transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair as a bridge to optimal guideline-directed medical therapy

Transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair (TMVR) improves symptoms and outcomes in selected patients with severe chronic secondary mitral regurgitation (MR) while on guideline-directed medical...