Frequent Valvular Heart Disease Research Articles

Aortic Stenosis and the Evolution of Cardiac Damage after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.

Background/Objectives: Severe aortic stenosis (AS) is the most frequent valvular heart disease. Models for stratifying cardiac damage associated with aortic stenosis have been developed to predict outcomes following valve replacement. However, evidence regarding morphological and functional evolution, as well as potential changes in the degree of cardiac damage, is limited. We aim to provide information on the evolution of cardiac morphology and the function of patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) who have been classified using a cardiac damage staging system. Methods: In total, 496 patients were included in the analysis, and were classified into four stages based on the extent of cardiac damage as follows: Stage 0, no cardiac damage: left ventricle global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS) < -17%; right ventricular-arterial coupling (RVAc) ≥ 0.35), and absence of significant mitral regurgitation (MR). Stage 1, left-sided subclinical damage: LV-GLS ≥ -17%. Stage 2, left-sided damage: significant MR. Stage 3, right-sided damage: RVAc < 0.35. Results: The mean age was 82.1 ± 5.9 years, and 53.0% were female. In total, 24.5% of patients met the criteria for Stage 0, and Stage 1 included 42.8% of patients, Stage 2 included 16.5%, and Stage 3 comprised 16.2% of patients. Mortality was 8.4% for stage 0, 17.4% for stage 1, 25.6% for stage 2, and 28.6% for stage 3 patients (p = 0.004). Diabetes mellitus (DM) (p = 0.047) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) (p = 0.024) were the only clinical predictors of no change or worsening in the stage of cardiac damage. Regarding echocardiographic variables, concomitant tricuspid, and mitral regurgitation, ≥ 2 were both significantly associated with no change or worsening, also (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Cardiac damage that is secondary to severe aortic stenosis has morphological and functional repercussions that, even after valve replacement, persist and might worsen the prognosis.

Update on the treatment of aortic valve stenosis in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients

Aortic valve stenosis is one of the most frequent valvular heart diseases requiring treatment in industrialized countries. The symptom onset is associated with asignificantly increased mortality, so that there is aclear indication for treatment in patients with severe, symptomatic aortic valve stenosis; however, data on the optimal treatment of patients with asymptomatic aortic valve stenosis are scarce. Smaller studies in the field of cardiac surgery suggest that early surgical valve replacement is superior to aconservative approach. For this reason, the results of additional adequately powered randomized trials are awaited with great interest. In this year numerous long-term results from randomized comparisons of the two available treatment options (surgical versus transcatheter aortic valve replacement) were published, which will further guide the heart team to find the best treatment approach for each individual.

Titrated segmental epidural anesthesia for bilateral total knee replacement in a patient with severe aortic stenosis and severe bilateral carotid artery stenosis: a case report

BackgroundTotal knee replacement is a major orthopedic procedure for severe, painful, and mobility-limiting knee arthritis. Aortic valve stenosis is the most frequent valvular heart disease and the most commonly performed valvular procedure. Stenosis of the valve may lead to left ventricular hypertrophy, ventricular dysfunction, myocardial ischemia, and a state of fixed cardiac output. Changes in hemodynamic parameters such as hypotension and bradycardia in patients with carotid artery stenosis may lead to cerebrovascular accidents, especially during anesthesia.Case presentationA 76-year-old woman with a 6-year history of bilateral knee pain. The pain was dull, aching, and severe in intensity, and it prevented her from sleeping despite optimal analgesics. A general physical examination revealed an elderly, frail woman in mild respiratory distress. She had bilateral small-volume radial pulses, positive hepatojugular reflux, and heart sounds of S1, S2, and S4 with an ejection systolic murmur, and carotid bruits were heard bilaterally. Epidural anesthesia was done by injection of 2.5 mL of 0.5% plain bupivacaine in aliquots every 5 min until the level of the block reached the suprapubic region (titrated segmental epidural anesthesia). The patient was not preloaded with intravenous fluid prior to the establishment of epidural anesthesia, and the epidural anesthesia-induced hypotension that may ensue was managed with intraoperative dopamine infusion at 5 µg/kg/min.ConclusionsTitrated segmental epidural anesthesia with intraoperative infusion of low-dose dopamine reduces the perioperative risk of myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accident, and neurocognitive deficit in a patient with severe aortic stenosis and severe bilateral carotid stenosis.

From an Unfolding Emergency Treatment to a Universal Shift in Therapy: The History and Evolution of the Catheter-Based Treatment of Aortic Valve Stenosis.

Aortic valve stenosis (AVS) is the most frequent valvular heart disease in industrialized countries, presenting with very high mortality if left untreated. While drug treatment can sometimes alleviate symptoms, it fails to stop progression or cure the underlying disease. Until the first decade of this millennium, surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) remained the only available therapy option with a positive impact on mortality and morbidity. Even though several studies reported highly positive effects of SAVR regarding the improved quality of life and better physical performance, SAVR remained an intervention that, due to its remarkable complexity and the need for heart-lung machine and cardioplegia, was limited by the patients' comorbid profile. While unsatisfying hemodynamic results after transcatheter aortic balloon valvuloplasty in high-risk surgical patients limited its adoption as an alternative treatment, it provided the impetus for further interventional approaches to the therapy of AVS. This review considers the invention and development of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), which established itself as a catheter-based, minimally invasive procedure over the past decade, and has become an equivalent treatment method for high-risk surgical patients. For that matter, early TAVI concepts, their amendments, and the associated pioneers are recognized for paving the way to a revolutionary diversification in AVS treatment.

A streamlined, machine learning-derived approach to risk-stratification in heart failure patients with secondary tricuspid regurgitation

Abstract Background Secondary tricuspid regurgitation (sTR) is the most frequent valvular heart disease and has significant impact on mortality. A high burden of comorbidities often worsens the already dismal prognosis of sTR, while tricuspid interventions remain underused and initiated too late. Objectives To examine the most powerful predictors of all-cause mortality in moderate and severe sTR using machine learning techniques and to provide a streamlined approach to risk-stratification using readily available clinical, echocardiographic and laboratory parameters. Methods This large-scale, long-term observational study included 3359 moderate and 1509 severe sTR patients encompassing the entire heart failure spectrum (preserved, mid-range and reduced ejection fraction). A random survival forest was applied to investigate the most important predictors and group patients according to their number of adverse features (Figure 1). Results The identified predictors and thresholds, that were associated with significantly worse mortality were higher age (≥75 in moderate and ≥70 years in moderate and severe sTR respectively), higher NT-proBNP (≥4000 pg/ml), increased high sensitivity C-reactive protein (≥1.0 mg/dl), serum albumin &amp;lt;40 g/L and hemoglobin &amp;lt;13 g/dL. Additionally, grouping patients according to the number of adverse features yielded important prognostic information, as patients with 4 or 5 adverse features had a sevenfold risk increase in moderate sTR (7.11 [2.27–4.30] HR 95% CI, P&amp;lt;0.001) and fivefold risk increase in severe sTR (5.08 [3.13–8.24] HR 95% CI, P&amp;lt;0.001) (Figure 2: A moderate sTR derivation, B moderate sTR validation, C severe sTR derivation, D severe sTR validation). Conclusion This study presents a streamlined, machine learning-derived and internally validated approach to risk-stratification in patients with moderate and severe sTR, that adds important prognostic information to aid clinical decision-making. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Austrian Science Fund

Predictors for NYHA recovery and 1-year mortality after mitral TEER

Abstract Background Mitral regurgitation (MR) is the second-most frequent valvular heart disease in Europe and frequently aggravates heart failure (HF) symptoms. Mitral transcatheter-edge-to-edge repair (TEER) can be considered in eligible patients, for both primary (in inoperable cases) or secondary severe MR. However, intervention is not advised in severe comorbid patients in whom it is not expected to prolong survival for over 1 year. Purpose Evaluate characteristics associated with HF New York Heart Association (NYHA) class recovery, and one-year all-cause mortality after mitral TEER for severe MR. Methods All mitral TEER procedures for primary and secondary MR conducted in a single-centre between 2014 and 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The primary endpoint was defined as a reduction of at least one NYHA class in the first month after intervention, and a secondary endpoint considered a recovery of at least two NYHA classes. Survival status 12 months after mitral TEER was also consulted. Clinical, echocardiographic and blood-analysis data were explored as characteristics associated with the endpoints defined, using Pearson's Chi-squared test, Wilcoxon rank sum test and Fisher's exact test, as appropriate. A p&amp;lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results From 103 mitral TEER procedures, 86 (83%) had full information about pre- and post-intervention NYHA class, as well as survival status at 12 months. There was a higher proportion of primary MR among NYHA non-responders (47% versus 25%, p=0.034), but no differences for secondary MR. Higher surgical risk patients (EuroSCORE II) tended to have exhibit more NYHA recovery, though not reaching statistical significance (p=0.068). Both a more advanced NYHA class at baseline and lower N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP) levels were linked to a higher symptomatic recovery (2048 versus 5676pg/ml, p&amp;lt;0.001). Also, persisting MR after TEER of at least grade 3/4 was more frequent in non-NYHA responders. Regarding NYHA improvement of at least two classes, it was observed in 13% patients, and these also had a more advanced NYHA class at baseline and lower NTproBNP basal levels, and exhibited a lower estimated systolic pulmonary artery pressure and inferior vena cava (IVC) diameter. Finally, 10 (11.6%) of mitral TEER patients died in the first 12 months, and no statistically significant associations were found regarding pre-intervention characteristics and survival. Conclusions This study suggests that three-fifths of severe MR improve their NYHA class after TEER, but only one-fourth for primary MR. Earlier intervention – with lower NTproBNP levels, less severe pulmonary hypertension, and lower IVC diameters – is associated with more symptomatic HF improvement. All-cause mortality in the first year is still significant, exposing a need for better patient selection. However, these findings represent exploratory deductions of a relatively low number, single-centre, patients. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Practical Echocardiographic Approach of the Regurgitant Mitral Valve Assessment.

Mitral regurgitation is the second-most frequent valvular heart disease in Europe after degenerative aortic stenosis. It is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, and its prevalence is expected to increase with population aging. Echocardiography is the first diagnostic approach to assess its severity, constituting a challenging process in which a multimodality evaluation, integrating quantitative, semiquantitative and qualitative methods, as well as a detailed evaluation of the morphology and function of both left ventricle and atria is the key. In this review, we would like to provide a practical diagnosis approach on the mitral valve regurgitation mechanism, severity quantification, and planning of future therapeutic options.

Imaging in Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement: State-of-Art Review.

Mitral regurgitation is the second-most frequent valvular heart disease in Europe and it is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Recognition of MR should encourage the assessment of its etiology, severity, and mechanism in order to determine the best therapeutic approach. Mitral valve surgery constitutes the first-line therapy; however, transcatheter procedures have emerged as an alternative option to treat inoperable and high-risk surgical patients. In patients with suitable anatomy, the transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral leaflet repair is the most frequently applied procedure. In non-reparable patients, transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) has appeared as a promising intervention. Thus, currently TMVR represents a new treatment option for inoperable or high-risk patients with degenerated or failed bioprosthetic valves (valve-in-valve); failed repairs, (valve-in-ring); inoperable or high-risk patients with native mitral valve anatomy, or those with severe annular calcifications, or valve-in-mitral annular calcification. The patient selection requires multimodality imaging pre-procedural planning to select the best approach and device, study the anatomical landing zone and assess the risk of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. In the present review, we aimed to highlight the main considerations for TMVR planning from an imaging perspective; before, during, and after TMVR.

Spectrum of cardiovascular diseases at a referral tertiary care hospital in Somalia, Mogadishu: an echocardiographic study

BackgroundTo investigate the frequencies and patterns of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), including rheumatic and congenital heart diseases, among patients with abnormal hearts assessed by echocardiographic examination.MethodsThis retrospective, descriptive registry reviewed abnormal echocardiographic findings of 1140 patients aged 0–100 years who were admitted to the cardiology outpatient clinic at a tertiary training institution in Mogadishu.ResultsHypertensive heart disease (HHD) (n:454, 39.8%), valvular heart disease (VHD) (n:395, 34.6%), and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) (n:351, 30.8%) were the most frequent comorbidities. Congenital heart diseases (CHDs) were detected in 151 (13.2%) of the patients, with the most common ones including atrial septal defect (ASD) (n:37, 3.2%) and ventricular septal defect (VSD) (n:26, 2.3%). Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) was observed in 84 (7.4%) patients, among whom the most common age range was 16–30 years (40.5%), followed by 31–45 years (31%) and 0–15 years (15.5%). Mitral insufficiency (n:541, 47.5%) was detected as the most frequent VHD, followed by aortic insufficiency (n:437, 38.3%), and tricuspid insufficiency (n:264, 23.2%) and mitral valve stenosis (n:39, 3.4%) was the least common VHD.ConclusionIn the present study, we found that HHD was the most common comorbidity, followed by VHD, and HFrEF. Moreover, the most common VHD was mitral insufficiency and the most common CHD was ASD.

Fragmented QRS complex may predict long-term mortality after isolated surgical aortic valve replacement in patients with severe aortic stenosis.

Fragmented QRS (fQRS), related to myocardial fibrosis, is an important prognostic marker of cardiovascular events and mortality. Aortic stenosis (AS), the most frequent valvular heart disease in developed countries, causes myocardial fibrosis due to ventricular pressure overload. The current study aimed to investigate whether fQRS is associated with long-term mortality after isolated surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in patients with severe AS. A total of 289 patients who underwent SAVR for severe AS between May 2009 and January 2020 with interpretable electrocardiogram were included. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the presence of fQRS. Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were used to detect cumulative survival rates. Univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to determine the predictors of all-cause mortality. fQRS occurred in 126 (43.5%) patients. A total of 59 (20.4%) patients died over a follow-up period of 54 ± 32 months. All-cause mortality was higher in the fQRS group (23 [14.1%] vs 36 [28.6], log-rank test P = 0.002) in the long term. The presence of fQRS [hazard ratio (HR): 1.802, confidence interval (CI): 1.035-3.135, P = 0.037], electrocardiographic left ventricular strain (HR: 1.836, CI: 1.036-3.254, P = 0.038) and history of stroke or transient ischaemic attack (HR: 3.130, CI: 1.528-6.412, P = 0.002) were independent predictors of all-cause mortality in the multivariable Cox regression model. fQRS is associated with a 1.8-fold increase in long-term mortality in patients undergoing isolated SAVR for severe AS. Detecting fQRS in electrocardiograms may provide prognostic information about the long-term outcomes.

Normal values of echocardiographic parameters and incidence of valvular heart findings in 2229 iranian peaple: Results from the “HAMRAH survey”

Introduction: It is crucial to define the normal ranges of echocardiographic parameters and their relationships with age, sex, race, and geographical differences given the failure of the existing literature to reflect the diversity of the world's populations. This study aimed to determine the normal ranges of echocardiographic systolic and diastolic values and the incidence of valvular heart lesions with or without rheumatic involvement in a sample of Iranian population. Methods: The Echocardiography Heart Assessment and Monitoring in Rajaie Hospital study is a population-based investigation conducted in Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center. A total of 2229 Iranian individuals between 30 and 75 years of age without clinical cardiovascular diseases were invited through a multistage random sampling process, and they underwent two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography. The left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction, the interventricular septal thickness, the ascending aortic size, the LV diastolic function, the valvular heart disease (VHD) severity, and rheumatic valvular involvement were assessed. Results: The study population comprised 2229 patients: 882 men (40%) and 1347 women (60%) at an age range of 39–58 years and a mean age of 48 years. The average body mass index was 28.8 kg/m2 (25.9–32 kg/m2), and the median body surface area was 1.86. Mildsystolic dysfunction was reported in 119 patients (5.7%) and moderate systolic dysfunction in 19 (0.9%). LV systolic dysfunction was significantly correlated with the male sex, age, and hypertension (P < 0.001). The mean interventricular septal thickness was 8 mm. Mild LV hypertrophy (LVH) was detected in 5.5% of all the patients and moderate LVH in 0.4%. The mean interventricular septal thickness significantly increased with age (P < 0.001), and it was higher in the men than in the women (8.2 mm [7.8–9.2] vs. 8 mm [7–8.25]; P < 0.001). Mild LVH and moderate LVH were significantly correlated with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, chronic kidney disease, and diastolic dysfunction (P < 0.001). Diastolic dysfunction was found in 29% of the patients (28.6% mild and 0.2% moderate). Significant correlations were found between LV diastolic dysfunction and age, the female sex, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and hypercholesterolemia (P < 0.001). The mean ascending aortic size was 31 mm in the men and 29 mm in the women. The ascending aortic size exceeded 37 mm in 5% of the men and 3.5% of the women. The indexed ascending aortic size was 1.54 cm/m2 in the men and 1.66 cm/m2 in the women. Valvular heart lesions were diagnosed in about half of the study population. The most common findings were mild regurgitation in the mitral and tricuspid valves. Multiple valvular disorders were found in 55% of the patients. Among significant (moderate and more-than-moderate) VHDs, tricuspid regurgitation (36%), mitral regurgitation (33%), and aortic regurgitation (19%) were the most frequent VHDs. Rheumatic valvular involvement was diagnosed in 31 (1.4%) patients. Conclusions: Echocardiographic parameters vary with age, sex, and race, and they should be population adjusted. We recommend further research in different areas of Iran to obtain sufficient data for the creation of an applicable guideline regarding echocardiographic parameters.

History, development and clinical perspectives of sutureless and rapid deployment surgical aortic valve replacement.

Degenerative aortic stenosis is the most frequent valvular heart disease in industrialized countries. Conservative treatment may beneficially influence symptoms but is never successful. Surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) was the only recognized treatment option to provide substantially prolonged survival until 2008. Operative mortality of isolated SAVR has been reported as low as 0.5% to 1% in experienced institutions, while long-term survival is close to that observed in a control healthy population of similar age. A multitude of studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of SAVR with regard to improvement in quality of life and physical performance in the majority of symptomatic patients. In the last decade, transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has emerged as an equal treatment modality, first in patients with high surgical risk and more recently in patients with intermediate and low surgical risk. Paravalvular regurgitation and the higher rate of pacemaker implantation remain points of consideration. Additionally, the long-term durability of TAVI devices and occurrence of stroke late after TAVI require additional analyses. Sutureless (SU-SAVR) and rapid deployment valve (R-SAVR) were designed to simplify and accelerate a conventional or less invasive surgical procedure while allowing complete excision of the calcified native valve. From 3 different implants tested more than 10 to 15 years ago, only two are available on the market today: the Perceval® valve from Liva Nova and the Intuity® sutureless prosthesis from Edwards Lifesciences. There has been extensive experience with these two devices in previous years and the results obtained are comparable to those observed following the use of conventional implants. The sutureless devices may be of particular interest for more complex and combined surgical procedures. This review summarizes the sutureless (SU-SAVR) and rapid deployment valve technologies and presents a clinical outlook for the patient population managed with these devices.

Comparison of different imaging modalities for the quantification of tricuspid valve geometry and regurgitation: a retrospective, single-center study.

Background and AimsTricuspid regurgitation (TR) is a frequent valvular heart disease with relevant adverse impact on patients' prognosis. Adequate TR imaging and evaluation is challenging. In this study, we aimed to compare different imaging modalities (echocardiography and multi‐slice computed tomography) for the assessment of tricuspid valve (TV) function and geometry.MethodsWe retrospectively investigated patients that presented to University Hospital Bonn, Germany, between September 2018 and March 2019, who underwent comprehensive echocardiography and multi‐slice computed tomography (MSCT) to evaluate TR. MSCT was considered the reference approach for dimensional assessment of TV anatomy and echocardiography (transthoracic echocardiography + transesophageal echocardiography) for functional assessment of TV. We used Spearman's Rank order correlation, Bland‐Altman analysis, and intra‐class correlation to compare the different imaging modalities.ResultsForty patients (Mean Age ± SD: 77.5 ± 7.1 years; 35% female) with high grade TR (effective regurgitant orifice area, EROA: 0.49 ± 0.3 cm2, RegVol: 49.5 ± 13.4 mL) were included. There was a statistically significant but moderate correlation between 2D‐TEE and MSCT for anteroposterior (AP) (r = 0.68, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.44‐0.93, P = .05; intraclass correlation [ICC]: 0.77, P = .03) and septolateral (SL) diameters (r = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.33‐0.93, P = .03; ICC = 0.76, P = .05). MSCT and 3D‐TEE showed a strong correlation for determination of TV annulus area (r = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.57‐0.98, P = .002; ICC = 0.95, P = .4), perimeter (r = 0.9, 95% CI: 0.6‐0.98, P = .002; ICC = 0.97, P = .3) and diameters (AP‐Diameter: r = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.06‐0.94, P = .03; ICC = 0.83, P = .09; SL‐Diameter: r = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.47‐0.97, P = .02; ICC = 0.95, P = .1). Only 3D‐TEE allowed for direct measurement of planimetric EROA, which exhibited a significant difference from calculated EROA (0.49 ± 0.4 cm2, 0.67 ± 0.17 cm2, P = .05; r = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.5 to 0.99, P = .006). According to Bland‐Altman analysis, we found a relevant agreement between MSCT and 3D‐TEE only for TV area (bias: −1.95, 95% limits of agreement −3.6 to −0.1).ConclusionOnly 3D‐TEE allowed for sufficient simultaneous functional and dimensional assessment of TR in our cohort.

Long-term ischemic mitral regurgitation: which parameters predict decrease or increase in the degree after five years?

Ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) is a frequent valvular heart disease and is related to worse prognosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the dynamics in the degree of IMR from the acute phase of inferoposterior myocardial infarction (MI) to 5-years follow-up and to identify the predictors of change in the degree of mitral regurgitation (MR). We included patients with first ever acute inferoposterior MI and examined them in two phases: at the time of acute MI then 5 years later. Based on two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography, the patients were divided into the non-significant MR (NMR) group and IMR group. The parameters of left ventricle (LV), mitral apparatus and clinical data were assessed in both phases. The predictors of a decrease or an increase in the degree of mitral regurgitation after 5 years were identified. The values of the parameters of mitral apparatus and LV chambers increased with higher degrees of IMR. The tenting height, systolic blood pressure and posteromedial papillary muscle (PMPM) displacement during the acute phase were the most important in predicting the change in the degree of MR after 5 years. The assessment of mitral apparatus in acute phase of MI can be most useful to determine the change of the degree of MR long-term post MI. Although LV remodelling itself contributes to IMR, this influence is directly dependent on alterations in mitral geometry.

42 Comparison of different imaging modalities for the quantification of tricuspid valve geometry and regurgitation

Abstract Objectives Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is a frequent valvular heart disease with relevant adverse impact on patients´ prognosis. Imaging of tricuspid valve and tricuspid Regurgitation is through anatomical circumstances is challenging. In this study, we aimed to compare the ability of different imaging modalities to visualize and quantify tricuspid valve (TV) function and annular dimensions. Methods and Results We prospectively included 40 consecutive patients (Age: 77.5 ± 7.1 years) with high surgical risk (EuroSCORE II: 8.8 ± 12.1%) and significant TR, who underwent transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and multislice computed tomography (MSCT) to evaluate TR, TV function, and dimensions. In general, 2D-TEE showed lower diameters than MSCT with a significant but weak correlation between both imaging modalities for AP diameters (41.4 ± 7.8 mm, 47.2 ± 8.9 mm, r = 0.68, p = 0.05correlation, p = 0.03difference) and for SL diameters (41.6 ± 5.3 mm, 46.6 ± 4.6 mm, r = 0.71correlation, p = 0.05difference, p = 0.03). We found no significant correlation, however significant difference agreement, between MSCT and 2D-TEE on measures for annulus perimeter (117.6 ± 18.9 mm, 130.3 ± 21.5 mm, r = 0.3, p = 0.4correlation, p = 0.03difference) and annulus area (10.1 ± 3.3 cm2, 13.4 ± 4.1 cm2, r = 0.5, p = 0.4correlation, p = 0.04difference). When comparing 3D-TEE with MSCT, we found a strong correlation between both imaging modalities concerning TV annulus areas (12.9 ± 2.6 cm2, 13.4 ± 4.1 cm2, r = 0.94, p = 0.0017correlation, p &amp;lt; 0.001difference), and perimeter (130.1 ± 12.4 mm, 130.3 ± 21.5 mm, r = 0.9, p = 0.002correlation, p = 0.005difference), as well as for AP (43.8 ± 3.2 mm, 47.2 ± 8.9 mm, r = 0.73, p = 0.03correlation, p = 0.008difference) and SL diameters (44.5 ± 3.6 mm, 46.6 ± 4.6 mm, r = 0.86, p = 0.02correlation, p = 0.1difference). MSCT was not useful for TR grading and determination of TV function. In addition to conventional 2D echocardiography, only 3D-TEE allowed for direct measurement of effective regurgitant orifice area (EROA), which differed significantly from calculated EROA (p &amp;lt; 0.05). Conclusion 3D-TEE is highly comparable to MSCT and superior to 2D imaging for the determination of TV geometry and diameters. In contrast to MSCT, 3D-TEE allows sufficient grading and functional assessment of TR.

P1755 Clinical and echocardiographic outcomes of mitral valve repair surgery

Abstract Background Mitral valve regurgitation (MVR) represents the second most frequent valvular heart disease. MV surgical repair is often the preferred treatment when MV anatomy is suitable. Purpose To characterize the population who underwent MV repair surgery and evaluate the outcomes of residual MVR, allcause mortality and functional classification. Methods Retrospective analysis of 262 patients (P) admitted between 2008 and 2017 for MV repair surgery. P who undergone simultaneous coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, atrial fibrillation (AF) surgery and tricuspid valve repair were also included. P with endocarditis, P who underwent simultaneous aortic valve replacement and P with rheumatic predominant MV stenosis were excluded, the remaining 204 P were analysed. Clinical and echocardiographic characteristics were evaluated in a mean follow-up of 30 months. Results 204 P, 67.2% male, mean age 62 + 14 years. The most frequent etiology was organic (80.4%), mostly of degenerative cause. Functional etiology was present in 19.6%, mostly ischemic (72.4%). 16.8% underwent simultaneous CABG, 12.3% tricuspid valve repair and 7.8% AF ablation. Hypertension was significantly associated with functional etiology (90% vs 72.8%, p = 0.022), as well as hypercholesterolemia (80% vs 48.2%, p &amp;lt; 0.001) and diabetes mellitus (32.5% vs 10.4%, p &amp;lt; 0.001). Baseline left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was &amp;gt;50% in 78.4%, reduced (30-50%) 18.1% and poor (&amp;lt;30%) in 3.4%. Functional etiology was significantly associated with LVEF &amp;lt;50% (70% vs 9.1%, p &amp;lt; 0.001). 161P (78.9%) had MV prolapse: 120P (74.5%) posterior, 29P (18%) anterior and 7.4% (12P) of both leaflets. P2 was the most frequently involved scallop, in 92P (57.1%), followed by P3, in 41P (25.4%). There was MV chordae rupture in 94P (58.3%). Post-surgery echocardiography revealed that 93.8% had mild or no residual MVR. 30-day mortality rate was 0%. There was MVR recurrence with MV replacement surgery in 15P (7.5%), mean time 37.1 months. All-cause mortality was registered in 28P (13.7%), with a mean time of 43.7 months after MV surgery. Of the P without MVR recurrence or mortality, 111P (70%) were in NYHA class I, 41P (26%) in NYHA class II and 6P (4%) in NYHA class III. 6P were lost to follow-up. Upon echocardiographic revaluation there was no residual MVR in 53P (39%), mild MVR in 67P (49%) and moderate MVR in 16P (11.8%). Conclusion In P who underwent MV repair surgery, there was 7.5% recurrence rate with follow-up MV replacement surgery and an all-cause mortality of 13.7%. In a mean follow-up of 30 months, 70% of P were in NYHA I class and there was none or mild residual MVR in 88% of P.

43 Echocardiographical analysis of right ventricular function after transcatheter edge-to-edge repair of tricuspid regurgitation

Abstract Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is a frequent valvular heart disease associated with increased mortality and morbidity. RV function is mostly assessed using tricuspid annulus plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), which shows merely systolic RV function and can be influenced by many other pathologies and image quality. Furthermore, the impact of dedicated percutaneous clip treatment of TR on RV global function and clinical outcomes are scarce. We aim to perform detailed echocardiographical global RV function analysis inclusively speckle tracking of RV before and after transcatheter edge-to-edge repair of TR (TTVR). We evaluated 50 patients, who underwent between January 2017 to March 2018 TTVR in our center. Apical four chamber images were used to perform strain analysis of RV. The systolic velocity of free RV wall (S´ Vmax) was measured through PW doppler on lateral TV annulus in color tissue Doppler. RV myocardial performance index is a parameter for systolic as well as diastolic ventricle function and can be calculated using ratio between TV closure to opening time and RV ejection time (RVCOT-RVET/RVET), which can be assessed from PW Doppler of lateral TV annulus in color tissue Doppler. We retrospectively included 40 patients (73 ± 5.6 years, 32% female) with symptomatic (65% ascites, 95% edema, 100% NYHA &amp;gt; II) high grade functional TR at surgical high risk (EuroSCORE II: 7.6%). 95% of all interventions were successfully performed (TR reduction at least I grade). Our collective shows normal baseline left ventricle (LV) systolic function (Ejection fraction: 60.8 ± 4.6%) with diastolic LV dysfunction and increased LV end systolic pressure (E/E´ ratio: 17.7 ± 6.5). Baseline RV analysis presented impaired RV systolic function (TAPSE: 1.2 ± 3.2 cm, RV-FAC: 25.6 ± 9.8%, S´ Vmax: 5.6 ± 1.2cm/s) with decreased RV global longitudinal strain (RV-GLS: -8.9 ± 4.3). RV myocardial performance index (RV-MPI) was 0.51 ± 0.4 as a parameter for poor global RV function. Baseline echocardiography showed dilation of both atria (Left atrium: 80.5 ± 14.5ml, right atrium: 26.7 ± 7.8cm2) with pronounced right ventricle congestion (dilated vena cava inferior: 25.5 ± 3.4mm without breath modulation, paradoxical intraventricular septum motion, dilated RV: 57.7 ± 14.5cm2). All TR were high grade (PISA: 0.78 ± 0.3cm, VC width: 0.8 ± 0.2cm, EROA: 0.43 ± 0.1cm2, regurgitant volume: 67.1 ± 10.4ml) and functional with mostly anteroseptal (85%) coaptation defect (coaptation defect diameter: .5.7 ± 3.2mm). The right heart failure symptoms significantly improved three months after the procedure. Patients with severe right heart failure (TAPSE &amp;lt; 1cm) showed more often rehospitalization and limited improvements in symptoms (p = 0.02). RV function should be more comprehensively evaluated before interventional TR therapy. The patients with already preprocedural severe right heart failure should be more critically discussed. RV-GLS and RV-MPI are strongest independent parameter of clinical outcome after TTVR.

Prise en charge interventionnelle de la fuite mitrale

Mitral regurgitation (MR) is currently the most frequent valvular heart disease, and the second most operated valve in Europe. Around 50% of patients presenting severe MR are denied surgery, despite the adverse prognosis associated with the absence of treatment, due to comorbidities and/or advanced age. During the previous years, percutaneous treatment of MR, whether by replacement or, more frequently, by repair, has been developed, providing an alternative for those patients who are deemed at prohibitive, but also, high surgical risk. Percutaneous edge-to-edge repair is currently the most frequently used technique, and is the only one recommended by the European Guidelines for Valvular Heart Disease Management. In the current article, we review the different strategies for MR repair, as well as the indications and level of evidence for their use.

El cateterismo cardiaco derecho de esfuerzo predice eventos en los pacientes con estenosis aórtica degenerativa asintomática

Introduction and objectivesDegenerative aortic stenosis (DAS) is the most frequent valvular heart disease. It remains unclear how to identify asymptomatic DAS patients with normal left ventricular ejection fraction who have a high probability of event occurrence and would thus benefit from early intervention. Here, we describe a protocol for exercise hemodynamics in true asymptomatic patients with moderate or severe DAS and assess the prognostic value of the data obtained in this population. MethodsThis study involved a prospective single-centre registry of consecutive asymptomatic patients with moderate or severe DAS. Patients underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing to confirm symptom absence during exercise and then right heart catheterization (RHC) at rest and during exercise. Events were defined as death, surgical aortic valve replacement, or transcatheter aortic valve implantation according to clinical guidelines. ResultsThirty-three patients underwent baseline and exercise RHC. The mean aortic valve area was 1.08 cm2 and the aortic gradient was 39mmHg. The mean pulmonary artery pressure was 21mmHg with a pulmonary artery occlusion pressure of 14mmHg and cardiac output of 5.6 L/min. The mean pulmonary artery pressure at peak exercise was 34mmHg. After a mean follow-up of 27 months, 8 patients experienced an event (24%). There were no differences in baseline variables, aortic valve area, or cardiopulmonary exercise testing parameters between the event and event-free groups. Patients with an event did not have higher pulmonary or filling pressures after peak exercise but had lower pulmonary artery oxygen saturation on effort (median, 48% vs 57%, P=.03). ConclusionsExercise RHC is feasible and safe in this population. Peak pulmonary artery oxygen saturation might identify patients with increased risk of serious adverse events.

Exercise right heart catheterization predicts outcome in asymptomatic degenerative aortic stenosis.

Degenerative aortic stenosis (DAS) is the most frequent valvular heart disease. It remains unclear how to identify asymptomatic DAS patients with normal left ventricular ejection fraction who have a high probability of event occurrence and would thus benefit from early intervention. Here, we describe a protocol for exercise hemodynamics in true asymptomatic patients with moderate or severe DAS and assess the prognostic value of the data obtained in this population. This study involved a prospective single-centre registry of consecutive asymptomatic patients with moderate or severe DAS. Patients underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing to confirm symptom absence during exercise and then right heart catheterization (RHC) at rest and during exercise. Events were defined as death, surgical aortic valve replacement, or transcatheter aortic valve implantation according to clinical guidelines. Thirty-three patients underwent baseline and exercise RHC. The mean aortic valve area was 1.08 cm2 and the aortic gradient was 39mmHg. The mean pulmonary artery pressure was 21mmHg with a pulmonary artery occlusion pressure of 14mmHg and cardiac output of 5.6 L/min. The mean pulmonary artery pressure at peak exercise was 34mmHg. After a mean follow-up of 27 months, 8 patients experienced an event (24%). There were no differences in baseline variables, aortic valve area, or cardiopulmonary exercise testing parameters between the event and event-free groups. Patients with an event did not have higher pulmonary or filling pressures after peak exercise but had lower pulmonary artery oxygen saturation on effort (median, 48% vs 57%, P=.03). Exercise RHC is feasible and safe in this population. Peak pulmonary artery oxygen saturation might identify patients with increased risk of serious adverse events.